Casino news August 2006
Dash Casino
The highly regarded 32Red / Trafalgar Gaming plc online gambling group out of Gibraltar has launched its latest offering, a slick new Microgaming-powered online casino branded Dash Casino.com. With a simple but elegant and easy to use layout, fully contactable Support that operates 24/7 and the new QuickCash simplified bonusing system the new operation is already displaying the expertise of the Ed Ware management team, which incidentally is fully identified on the site with individual biographies. Sister casino 32 Red.com has built up a substantial following of players who appreciate the personal attention and efficient operational conduct at which this group excels, and Dash comes from the same positive mould. It is also linked to 32 Red's poker operation and the BetDirect sportsbook facilities, giving visitors access to a range of reputable venues. The quality Flash and Download gambling suite from Microgaming is predictably very large and varied, offering something for all gambling tastes, and a wide range of financial options in Euro, Sterling and Dollar currencies is available. The welcome bonus is a GBP 50.
Grand Monaco Casino
New, well funded and managed, "big" online casinos have become something of a rarity these days, but this week saw the launch of Grand Monaco Casino.com, a Microgaming-powered property owned by a partnership called Grand Gaming Group and licensed in Kahnawake. As you might expect with a new venue coming from the studios of one of the industry's top providers this online casino has all the bells and whistles, including the much-discussed EZ Bonus system which, so they say, is designed to take the pain out of bonus hunting!
It's nice to see upfront identification a la 32Red of manager Frank Thompson and general manager Lou Kelmanson who have together amassed a wealth of online casino management experience with major groups like Fortune Lounge. Kelmanson was well thought of as the manager for poker operations at Royal Vegas until his departure to pursue his own business interests last year.
The new operation has a Flash and download gambling suite of some 250 top quality and latest technology games, backed by fully contactable, round-the-clock Support and a large selection of financial options through Proc-Cyber. The presentation is highly professional and the site carries Playcheck, Cashcheck, a G3 Rewards Club and is currently recruiting experienced affiliates to boost its own marketing efforts, which we're told are well funded.
Introductory bonuses are on offer involving matchplays maxed at $150 or $75 depending on which games are played, but readers are advised to study carefully the intricacies of the bonus T&Cs in particular.
VIP Lounge Casino
The owners of the latest online casino to be launched with Realtime Gaming software seem to have done a lot of research before putting the site together, and the result at VIP Lounge Casino.com bears witness to their diligence.
The presentation of the theme successfully conveys an ambience of luxury, opulence, elegance and class and is very professionally executed on a site that has plenty of upfront information and is easy to navigate.
Taking a leaf out of 32Red's book, the management and ownership is clearly identify with contact addresses. Manager Christopher diAngelo reports to the British owners Weststar Accounting Limited of Shirley, Southampton and general manager William McNamara.
The loyalty program is creatively structured around three levels of membership - VIP, Hi Roller and Jetsetter - each with escalating incentives for players. On the signup front there's a 200 percent signup bonus, and that is augmented with a 20 percent reload bonus and several promotions and draws that will help to retain players.
Adding interest is an unusual (for online gambling) section which enhances the theme by looking at lifestyle choices for the rich and famous like private jets, exotic cars, mansions and holiday homes, jewellery, travel and private boats - an eye-catching and interesting addition.
The main attraction will be the download games - a very large gambling suite for all tastes from Realtime Gaming which features all the latest offerings from the company and 10 big win progressives. These are all accessible through a games preview panel that is well designed and easy to use.
Players will also find a wide choice of financial instruments through which they can deposit and withdraw including Neteller Instacash.
This is one of the classiest sites we've seen for some time, and the upfront attitude of the ownership and management bodes well for future success.
Grand Nevada
Yikes! "Live-over-the-Internet" gambling gets down to the bare essentials
We're not sure what "live-over-the-internet" patent holder Mel Molnick will make of the latest angle on live gambling - an outfit called Grand Nevada.com has launched an Internet casino product where the action includes nude or scantily clad croupiers!
Using what it calls "Live Nude Casino Technology" the operation has free and educational game play as well as the real money tables, where it claims: "Customers can now play online casino games, with real live nude dealers, and win real money!"
Grand Nevada.com also boasts over 45 fully 3-D casino games with interactive betting and tournament options and games ranging from poker to craps, as well as slots and poker offerings.
Created and financed by Toronto based 121 Gaming Inc., GrandNevada.com says it is the first-to-market with a 'patent pending' interactive Nude/Bikini gaming platform based on industry leading technology and software. With several million dollars invested, GrandNevada.com intends to "...bridge gambling with adult entertainment into this exciting, new hybrid offering."
Red Felt
Play for fun new casino, but poker is the real money thing
CYOP Systems International Inc., a provider of online casino software and operator of games portals, has launched RedFelt.com as a new play-for-fun online casino operation, and a poker room that is fully operational for real money action.
Games on the new casino platform include Blackjack, American Roulette, Video Poker, Classic Slots, Craps and 35 other games; offered in fun mode for the time being, while Poker is available now for real cash and tournament play.
The proprietary software has been developed by Red Felt and is offered in an Instant Play/No download Flash version and a standalone Windows application that is the smallest download online. Operations are out of Costa Rica.
CYOPS claims it is in talks with other operators interested in fully customised sites, and that it can supply sites in 9 languages: Japanese, Spanish, French, Dutch, German, Italian, Korean, Russian, and English.
Jacksīn Queens
The start of a new trend in internet poker?
Back in late June the advent of "live over the internet" poker using Webcam technology was announced by Pharaoh's Poker Palace.com, with Beta testing which was followed by operational activity, and it now appears there will be some competition in this new Internet gambling niche: JNQ Global Inc. has announced an August launch for their equivalent product.
JNQ Global Inc. is a Panamanian company operating in Costa Rica. It uses proprietary software developed over the past nine months, and was formed by investors in 2006 for the purposes of developing and operating JacksNQueens.com. The new site will feature conventional Internet poker tables and Webcam, a different take on "live over the internet" poker, too.
The management feel that the use of Webcam as opposed to videostreaming, takes the technology out of the usual patent hassles associated with "live over the Internet" operating. The site is multi-lingual and marketing is through US-based Knightsbridge Marketing.
Tony G Poker
Top professional player and certified "Bad Boy" Tony G has entered the online poker business, launching his own online poker room at TonyGPoker.com with a Malta license. Like Tony, the new site is brash, in-your-face, and full of attitude.
Tony G is one of the most recognisable and outspoken stars on the poker circuit, and he has set about creating an online poker room with attitude, for people that want to play like he does - straightforward, no-nonsense action.
The new site features games like Texas Hold'Em, Omaha, Omaha High-Low Split, Seven-Card Stud, Seven-Card Stud High-Low (8), Razz, 2-7 Triple-Draw Lowball and Dealer's Choice. The site claims that the software is proprietary but it looks very much like a tweaked Cyberarts-Mansion Poker product to us. There's a 200 percent signup maxed at $400 , and financial choices include Neteller Instacash and Firepay.
VIP.com Poker
This is the re-named, re-vamped and re-softwared VIP Poker site belonging to VIP Management Services - Leisure and Gaming group, which has switched to Microgaming Poker Network and software. Flash and download options are available with a wide range of games and tournaments including a weekly $100 000 offer. A good VIP Rewards loyalty program is in operation with 24/7 Support. Single e-wallet access is possible across the extensive VIP group, and the licensing is Curacao. John Olsen is Poker Manager at the new site.
Bingo Day
Bright and appealing online bingo site with a large suite of bingo offerings powered by Playtech. Ownership is Fastengine Limited in Cyprus, with Kahnawake and Antiguan licensing and a full range of player service facilities.
Fifth Alarm Poker
Excapsa-Absolute Poker software powers this average, small site which has a US Fire Department theme and is geared to the charitable support of firefighters. Standard services and facilities, and it operates on the Excapsa network.
Monkey Bet
This looks like one of the Futurebet powered casino, sportsbook and poker sites that operates on the Ongame Network (currently boasting 8.5 million members around the world) 20 games in download and no download format backed by the usual Support, Club Cash loyalty program and a good range of financial services via Virtual Exchange. The site claims domicile in the UK and the Bahamas. Marketing is through Knightsbridge Marketing (Blake Vantrees).
Euro Super Poker
Boss Media powered poker room licensed in Kahnawake and seems to attract large numbers of Turkish players. Six language versions of the site are available, and there is a good range of financial instruments available through WebDollar. When we checked the Boss Network there were just under 5 000 players online at 778 tables. The owners of this operation are Vivtutech Services Limited out of Cyprus, which might explain the Turkish popularity.
Winner Casino
Notorious for a management promo blunder the cost of which it tried to pass on to the players, this site has now closed.
Sense Poker
Casino and poker room powered by B2B-24hr and on that network. Maltese license, and the target market appears to be UK, Swedish and Finnish players. Believed to be located in Costa Rica. All the usual services and facilities, including a Russian e-cash processor, a poker school and email only Support. It is believed the site is owned by Swedish interests in Solna, Sweden. Generally not a good presentation, there could be more information and affiliates have been spamming the message boards trying to drum up business.
Poker wize
This rather basic site sports a proprietary software that does not have good graphics, yet purports to be part of the Microgaming Poker Network and eCOGRA (it isn't) The owners are Playwize Limited, which is a subsidiary of AIM listed Bits Corp plc and seems to be developing some 3D poker software of its own. Kahnawake license and basic facilities.
Sandpiper Casino
Chartwell Tech powered under a standalone cash agreement with Sandpiper Entertainment Corporation. After months of slow pay and poor service this operation has closed, allegedly leaving unpaid players in its wake.
Ocean breeze Poker
Casino, sportsbook and poker room powered by Futurebet and is a Gamecities franchisee. Low average presentation and content on the site but the usual player support services are available. Curacao license. JSF in Stockton on Tees in the UK handles the wide choice of financial options. 100 percent signup maxed at $100 amd a 10 percent reload bonus.
Absolute Poker Lady
Absolute Poker ladies poker site that is well presented and connects to the main site and network for a full range of player services and facilities.
One Club Casino
New online casino (the owners have ambitions in the sportsbook, bingo and poker line too) owned by One Club Entertainment licenced in Kahnawake. Nicely done, professional site powered by Realtime Gaming with 100 + games and all the bells and whistles. The licensing is through RTG master licensor Play United and there is a good range of financial options. Targeting appears to be UK players.
Pokereon.com
New and well presented poker room that is connected with the Money-Casino operation and is a member of the Ongame Network. No download and download software from Ongame and Futurebet is offered with games like Texas Hold Em, Omaha and Omaha Hi Lo, 5 Card Draw, 7 Card Stud and Hi Lo. There is a good range of financial choices in dollars, sterling and euros, backed by full Support, a poker school and multi-lingual options on the site. Good tournament activity, sit and goes, freerolls, private games, satellites for big land championships are all available. Curacao license. Matchplay signup bonuses are on hand, sensible maxed at $100.
Getminted Max
Joins other UK Cashcade sites with the Getminted brand. The site is well done, successfully projecting a varied party atmosphere and offering games, fruit machines, keno, casino, racing and bingo with poker promised for October 2006. The operator, Globalcom is using software from Chartwell Tech and the licensing is Alderney and Kahnawake through Cashcade Limited. Financial options like Delta and Solo are available through Trust Marque Banking and Datacash. There's a matchplay signup maxed at GBP 50.
Hyper Gaming
Due for launch at the upcoming G2E show in Vegas on 14 September, this is an intriguing site sporting new software that allegedly comes from Australia. Because of the imminent launch the md, David Jenkins of egamingsol.com is playing his cards close to his chest, but we can tell you that we've seen better sites and games from an aesthetic viewpoint, although in fairness this operation is still in the development phase. The licensing is from Kahnawake, and there is an eerie MGS-like ring to the internal audit, RNG and bonusing systems. A good range of financial instruments is available through a company called Internet Data Online Conversion Industries located in the Subic Bay Freeport in the Phillipines, which is apparently a subsidiary of Firebrand Interactive Limited, which has a London fax number! Up to $700 is available on signup, structured quite smartly as matchplay maxed at $200 on first deposit, 50 percent maxed at $200 on second deposit and 25 percent maxed at $300 on third deposit. A loyalty program is available. We will be monitoring developments on this one.
5 Dimes Casino
X-Tech - Digital Solutions SA no download Java software powers this well presented casino, sportsbook and poker site based in Costa Rica. In addition to Support, Loyalty and financial options the casino offer different options with diverse softwares: the Java casino has Gametime software, Cash Back Casino uses BLR. The site advertises a weekly cash-back arrangements of up to 25 percent of losses. Michael Shackleford gave the RNG a clean bill of health...but that was some time ago and the certificate is out of date.
Poker in Canada
New and unremarkable site on the Action Poker Network, powered by Las Vegas From Home software. Alarmingly generous bonusing at matchplay maxed at $2 500, and promises of $500 000 free-roll tournaments.
X Casino
Financial processing through the Russian RuPay Financials Corp may give players some pause for thought on this site which offers a very small and poorly developed gambling suite of 4 games from an unknown provider. The owners are X-Casino Entertainment Systems Ltd out of Cyprus and a matchplay signup bponus that is apparently uncapped is on offer. Limited player services, and be warned that affiliates or staff have been spamming the forums.
InterXCasino
Rather cheeky branding, presumably to ride on the back of one of the most reputable online operations on the Internet, Intercasino! The owners, InterXgaming registered in Curacao also offer sports betting (InterXbet) and poker (InterXpoker) from Costa Rica, where operations are managed by PowerPlay SA. The software is Futurebet and all the usual services, including a really good selection of financial instruments through Honeychild Services (Pty) Ltd are on hand. Signup bonuses of up to $500 depend on the size of deposits: over $300 atract a matchplay maxed at the full $500; under $300 and the max is reduced to $100. The usual Club Cash loyalty program is ion place, together with 24/7 Support and toll free lines for UK and US players. Players should note that there is a $2 000 a week payout limit, and a maximum payout limit of $50 000.
The Poker Club
Casino, sportsbook and poker room powered by Futurebet and offering a 20 percent signup capped at $100. Antigua license. Limited player services but good financial options through Virtual Exchange. The site is average at best regarding presentation but it is available in 7 languages.
Million Minds
Very minimalist and unremarkable casino and poker room site powered by Infra Gaming and part of the Tain network. Limited Support is located in Malta, and a Kahnawake license is also held. Owners are Consafe Limited subsidiary Million Minds Ltd, a London-based company. Limited financial options and there have been complaints of payment hassles from players.
Spanish Luck Casino
AST Gaming SA software is believed to have originally had Russian origins and a colourful past - in fact this online casino powered by AST has been generating slow pay complaints from players just recently. Mediocre site with minimal facilities required out of Costa Rica. The operator is Avrotech Overseas Trading Limited.
Lucky Games
Realtime Gaming software and early reports of payout hassles are surfacing from the player community. It's a nice site with all services and facilities and a good selection of a hundred or so games. Owners are Urania Worldwide Ltd in London and Sunderland Tyne and Wear, who's Panama City subsidiary of the same name operates the casino out of Costa Rica.
Pitbull Poker
The owners, Dimensus Limited in the UK, claim this Flash no download software is proprietary and it offers Texas Hold Em, Omaha and 7 Card Stud on an informative and well laid out site with full player services and facilities including a loyalty program. The 200 percent signup is maxed at $300.
More information
- Chartwell Tech recently released its new and improved version of poker software, which is available on the Poker Nexus site.
- MGS-powered Big Dollar Casino, late of the Liberty Entertainment group with South Beach Palace Casino has resurfaced under new ownership of the Ashanti Limited media group, about which very little is known. Day to day management has been taken on by the Grande Prive - Brandbox group.
- Strong rumours abound that Brian Woods has sold off his Black Widow Casino, Sterling House Casino and Grand Banks Casino after trying to do so for some time. The new owners are not at present known, but it is understood that the intention is to remain with Playtech software.
- Isle of Man registered Gaming Ventures plc has been set up by softwarte developer Zone4Play to market to all comers a new blackjack tournament software system through two new companies: Get21 Ltd and RNG Gaming Limited.
- Paddy Poker.com has contracted Canadian software developer and bingo specialist Parlay Entertainment to provide its new bingo games, which will be available on Parlay's The Bingo Network.
- Tiltware LLC has moved its Full Tilt Poker software and head office facilities to Dublin, crteating 200 new jobs in Ireland.
- World Poker Tour Enterprises is to partner with UK company 3G-Scene in providing mobile poker facilities.
- Playboy Enterprises has chosen Cryptologic-Wagerlogic to provide its poker software on a new site to be managed by Curacao registered subsidiary Oceana Caribe Licensing NV.
- Alistair Assheton's Leisure and Gaming group has acquired Betshop.com.
- RTG has launched 5 new slot games this (August) month; Penguin Power, Achilles, Paradise Dreams, Alladins Wishes and Paris Beauty.
- Pokerchamps, recently taken over by Betfair is turning away US players to comply with Betfair policies on the issue.
- Betcorp has taken over Oasis Casino.com which reopened with proprietary software in late July. Excluded from the takeover deal was a $150 000 debt to a player who is still trying to recover his money.
- e-Cash processor ODF (Online Demand Funds) closed its doors in August 2006.
- Christchurch Casinos owned and Playtech powered Fast Win Casino is adding three new ways for players to widen their game choice with the launch of Lotto Madness, Ugga Bugga and 50 line Jacks or Better.
- For the second time in the past three months Mentor Gaming has released new games, announcing the availability of 54 online slot games at licensee sites. The new online slot machines from Mentor Gaming will feature 3 and 5 reels with full screen option and advanced 3D technology.
- BLUEGENIEGAMING, a new casino and poker group operating out of Costa Rica on as yet unknown software was due to launch 3rd quarter 2006 but has not to date done so. The company has been hiring experienced personnel including Robert Evans, who was formerly the head man at Nine.com until it was taken over by Leisure and Gaming plc earlier this year. Evans has been appointed as senior vice president and chief marketing officer, effective Sept 18 and reporting direct to the CEO at Blue Genie, Robert Moran. BlueGenie expects to launch with casino and poker products, followed by a bingo product in the second quarter of 2007 "...pending completion of funding and a favourable internet gaming prohibition vote now heading to the Senate.
- Winward Casino is building up its gambling suite with the addition of 20 new games from the Net Entertainment company, says manager Jon Ramsay. This operation is interesting in that it uses three different software types - mobile gaming through Phantom Fiber, and games from Parlay Entertainment and Net Entertainment, all integrated into one administrative system. Players can get a special 100 percent bonus for playing the new games, capped at a generous $500, and the choice includes: Multi-Hand Video Poker, Let It Ride, Pai Gow Poker, Baccarat, Casino Hold 'Em, Caribbean Poker, 5 new video slots and 6 new VP games offering both 10 and 5 hand play.
- Betting exchange and poker room BetonBet, citing conflict possibilities after Ongame was acquired by Bwin, moved over to the Microgaming Poker Network in July. The move to Microgaming allows BetOnBet players to take advantage of one of the most aggressive tournament schedules on the Web - featuring satellites to some of the best land based tournaments in the world, as well as the guaranteed 24 hour action offered through access to thousands of additional players from over 40 card rooms worldwide.
- Aces.com, an online gambling site acquired by the UK's Sportingbet public company in 2001 has been given a site revamp and a new suite of the latest Flash no-download games. The new gambling suite includes favourites like Blackjack, Black Jack Super 7, Free Ride and American Roulette. Black Jack Super 7 gives players the option of placing a side bet on whether or not a seven will be dealt. Free Ride is a casino card game based on stud poker - players are dealt three cards face up and two face down. Ace.com's Free Ride features a giant progressive jackpot which was recently hit for nearly half a million dollars and has already regenerated to well over $175 000.
- Microgaming's mobile casino associate, Spin3 has clinched an important deal with Singapore based entertainment content aggregator WooWorld, which has selected Spin3's play-for-fun SpinFone system to offer the first mobile gaming competition in Singapore. Mobile gamers will be able to download WooWorld's WowBoss casino games via premium SMS and compete for the highest scores to win prizes like iPod Shuffles, digital cameras, Swatch watches and shopping vouchers.
- UK Betting and sister Totalbet have changed software from Chartwell Tech to Playtech.
- The latest slot released at Money-Casino has a Circus Side Show theme and is branded accordingly. The new game is a themed five reel 15-liner designed as a quaint side show stage featuring a troupe of curious performers such as the bearded lady, the sword swallower, lizardman, and others. Circus Side Show is not just about strange folks, however. It includes bonus features as detailed in such as the Side Show bonus game, Scatter Pay that can pay up to 500, and 5 Wild Symbols that pay up to 10,000.
- Online sportsbetting and gaming operator Interactive Gaming Holdings Plc went live recently with its latest venue, the OpenBet Casino offering which is available on the Premier Bet website, giving users access to a selection of no-download games from the UK based Orbis provider. Orbis claims that the new system is one of the most comprehensive gaming platforms available on the market. A full range of casino games are on offer, including a variety of card games and multi-reel slots. The Flash games include the unique Bonus bar feature, allowing players to keep track of their bonus points, as well as animated graphics and realistic sound effects. Fully integrated within the existing Premier Bet website, the casino enables customers to benefit from a single user account which offers seamless transition between casino games and the extensive traditional betting activities on the site.
- UKBetting and Totalbet have teamed up with UK games provider specialists Electracade to launch a brand new online version of Roulette, which will operate on the Orbis OpenBet platform. Features of the game will include: Photo realistic, 3D game wheel; Over 12,000 unique 'real life' motion, captured in outstandingly precise animations; 'real life' ball drop sound sampling; original game layout ensuring ease of use.
- The Canadian turnkey poker and casino provider Excapsa has partnered with wireless technology provider Phantom Fiber to offer a mobile gaming service to customers. This new distribution method for the Excapsa poker product integrates a shared eWallet with the provider's other games and is available across global communications networks to mobile users on over 1 000 wireless devices including mobile phones and PDA's. Excapsa licensee brand UltimateBet is the first to enjoy the benefits of the branded mobile solution enabling their customers to experience the new technology while integrating directly into the Excapsa gaming network. Incorporating a branded mobile solution allows Excapsa's licensees to tap further into the estimated $11.9 billion global gaming market and reach targeted European markets for expansion. A company spokesman said this will become a key differentiator among online gaming competitors as mobile gaming becomes more widely used. Excapsa's wholly owned licensing subsidiary, Game Theory Limited, has signed a 5-year partnership deal with Phantom Fiber to launch the mobile platform. The Phantom Fiber technology allows Excapsa to integrate its gaming network with global mobile communication networks securely and instantly using over 1 000 different mobile phone models.
