There is such a thing as too much sin in Sin City.  It is very doubtful if you could be on a list more embarrassing than Nevada’s Black Book.  Such a thing exists and you do not want to be on it.  The Black Book was created in the 1960 to be the first line of defense against organized crime and professional and amateur cheaters in the newly born haven for get rich quick schemers.  Adding your name to the list means that if you enter a casino or a casino allows you to enter one or both parties can face harsh legal penalties.

It’s bad enough to cheat a casino (online or not).  It is really bad when you already know you are not allowed to step foot in a casino.  And it is just plain ignorance to GET CAUGHT!  However, 57 year old William Cushing and 68 year old Michael McNeive felt they would play the Jedi mind trick on casino operators and try to convince Las Vegas’ high tech slot machines they were feeding it one hundred dollar bills when, in fact they were only singles.  They have both pleaded guilty to cheating in Boulder Station, Fiesta Rancho and other Las Vegas casinos.

It’s hard to imagine anything more foolish than trying to beat the gambling big boys in their own house.  Good news, you don’t have to imagine it. Susan Lewanda took care of that, and made it a reality.  She was their accomplice.  She was stationed to be the look out.  Now we have a conspiracy, not set in the times of Bugsy Siegel and other names of questionable notoriety but the seedy, watch your back times of 2006.  Lewanda has also entered a plea of guilty.  Which leads to one more bit of Jedi wisdom. Obi-Wan Kenobi once said, “Who’s more foolish, the fool or the fool who follows?”

Any player, whether they be in the casino or online, will tell you that some of the most exciting games are the time honored, traditional ones from Asia.  Games such as Mahjong, Rummy, Big 2, and Chinese poker are widely popular around the world.   Connective Games, LLC, a Russian software development company has announced that it will partner with GameOn Marketing, based in the United Kingdom, in an attempt to capitalize on this market.  As their titles would suggest, Connective will be in charge of developing and perfecting the software while GameOn would be responsible for generating the public relations, and elevate Connective Games’ reputation around the world.

Connective Games believes that they are in the forefront of online gaming, and have been able to developed games for many of the industries leaders, they feel that is finally time to take their message and their brand further into the global market.  The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Konstantin Zubarev stated, “GameOn Marketing truly understands this sector and has an enviable reputation of delivering an excellent and dedicated service to all its clients.”  He added in regards to their 2009 and 2010 sales and marketing objectives that he was “really looking forward” to their partnership.

Connective Games’ goal is to develop a network of games which will almost exclusively tap into the Asian online gaming market.  They would like to take advantage of gamers who are looking for diversity to satisfy their recreational needs.  They see this as one of the fastest growing markets and want to be the leaders in the charge.  Who would have thought not too long ago, that the Russians and the Brittish would be allies in bringing Asia to the world.  Of course it is feasible to say that no one would have thought twenty years ago there would even be such a thing as online gaming….or just online.

The World Lottery Association or the WLA awarded Canada’s Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation (NSGA) a level four certification for high level of operation and its commitment to upholding high levels of social responsibility.  The World Lottery Association is a member based organization that deals with advancing the interests of state authorized lotteries.  Lotteries being the 20 most widely used form of government sponsored gambling. Their core values are responsibility, integrity, professionalism, and innovation.  The NSGA applied to the WLA’s Independent Assessment Panel of social responsibility experts in hopes of receiving this honor and thus becoming one of the world’s first.  “For years now, the NSGC has been driven by a commitment to social responsibility,” said Panel member, John Luff.

The fine folks in Nova Scotia have spent tons in programs that deal with identifying compulsive gambling, treatment and, of course, prevention.  Over the last twelve months that is an investment of over seven million dollars.  This is the most spent, per capita, throughout the whole of Canada.  “Social responsibility is the cornerstone of every decision we make,” said Marie Mullally, President and Chief Executive Officer for the NSGC.  Panel member Luff added, “This award takes commitment to another level.”

The WLA’s application process (more like ordeal) requires applicants to prove their commitment to social responsibility in may areas.  These include stakeholder engagement, player education, responsible game design, retailer training, expert consultation, public reporting, and many others combing an area of twenty one areas.  It includes all lotteries including video lottery terminals, or the industries equivalent of online gambling.  WLA is committed to putting its applicants through the toughest scrutiny.  However it’s rewards are recognized globally.  This is quite an honor for gaming commissions and corporations. Mr. Luff continued to glow, “In my opinion, NSGC and Nova Scotia should be justly proud.”

The state of Delaware is taking a petition to the U.S. Third Circuit Court Of Appeals in Philadelphia, and asking the body to reexamine its position on single sport sports betting.  Presumably to be taken online and in racetracks, sports gambling is not an uncommon activity.  However sports associations and leagues such as the NCAA and the NFL feel this would increase the chances of game and match fixing.  That is just the type of thing the FBI alleged former NBA referee Tim Donaghy, did while betting on games he officiated.

Since about 1976 Delaware, along with Montana, Oregon, and Nevada with its plethora of casinos were previously considered to be exempt from the Professional And Amateur Sports Protection Act, which basically states it is unlawful for a government or person to sponsor, operate, advertise, promote license, or authorize the gambling on a game or similar activity where amateur or professional sports were concerned.  In July Delaware’s Governor, Democrat Jack Markell signed legislation the legalized sports betting into law.  This law included individual games, much to the dismay of the sports leagues, who all filed an injunction with the Court of Appeals.

Delaware is looking to have the twelve appellate justices in Philadelphia to hear its case.  “The State of Delaware should have its day in court,” said the governor.  He believes that the court should decide whether the sports leagues should file a formal brief or if the injunction should be dismissed outright.  The Governor added, “We hope we get that opportunity.  We believe there are important legal and factual question that should be heard by the entire court.” Appellate Courts set their own schedule when it comes to hearing cases, but if delays occur, Delaware could take its case to the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington D.C.  This will almost certainly affect sports betting in casinos and online throughout the country.

In a near unanimous vote of six to one, The Ohio State Supreme Court ruled that a plan to use video lottery terminals, a system of online gambling, to be placed in race tracks and presumably river boats casinos is subject to a voter referendum.  This is largely in response to conservative political group LetOhioVote.org’s law suit earlier this month.

Video lottery terminals or VLT’s are the online gambling equivalent of the lottery scratch off card. It is similar to a slot machine.  The main difference is that is connected to a centralized computer system that predetermines the payout by using a random number generator, instead of ones operating in individual machines used in casinos.  The similarity between the video lottery terminals and the scratch off cards is the total amount and number of payouts are programmed in advance.

The lone dissenting voice on the bench, Justice Paul Pfeifer, argued the plan was an appropriation, a feeling shared by Ohio’s Democratic Governor, Ted Strickalnd.  The governor’s office expressed that because it the plan is included in a budget bill passed by the General Assembly as a revenue provision, it was not subject to public referendum.  He feels if the bill was successful it could bring the states sagging economy over $930 million in taxes over a two year period.  Justice Pfeifer wrote, “The video lottery terminal legislation is at the very heart of the budget bill, at the very heart of how Ohio is going to pay for its spending over the next two years.”  However it is easy to see how conservatives feel this would be a system of online gambling, and already hot topic nationwide.

“We are not unmindful of the effect our decision may have on the state budget nor of the commendable efforts of the members of the executive and legislative branches of state government to fulfill their constitutional duties to balance the budget in Ohio,” wrote Justice Terrence O’Donnell.  So unless the referendum is passed, citizens of Ohio will have to get their online gambling fix the old fashioned way, on a virtual casino while sipping lattes at your local coffee shop.

The popular television show DEAL OR NO DEAL is as big in the United Kingdom as it is here in the United States.  Casinos have already capitalized on the show’s success by introducing slot machines and scratch cards based on its format and featuring the likeness of host, Howie Mandel, and his bevy of beauties with their sleek briefcases.  Virtue Fusion Limited, an online bingo and gambling platform provider has recently reached an exclusive licensing agreement with Endemol UK to develop and produce a bingo type game that will make use of combining the format of the programme (yes spelled with an “e”, its British after all) with aspects of the game played already familiar in casinos and church congregation halls.

The new DEAL OR NO DEAL bingo game is set to be released with MeccaBingo.com, PaddyPower.com, Bet365.com.  SkyBingo.com has already announced that the will host of the new bingo game, much to the delight of online gambling and bingo enthusiasts.  The head of products and brand exploitation for Endemol UK, Jurian Van Der Meer expressed his delight by saying, “DEAL OR NO DEAL is one of Endemol’s biggest television hits worldwide and I’m really excited to see it combined with a bingo to create a new entertainment experience.”  He went on to say, “By partnering with Virtue Fusion to develop the game, we’re able to distribute to some of the biggest operators in the bingo industry.

There is also a nonexclusive rights deal between Endemol UK and Virtue Fusion to put on to the drawing board scratch games centered around DEAL OR NO DEAL, BIG BROTHER and GOLDEN BALLS.  These games would be available this autumn.  It is not certain at this time whether the online gambling and casino sights mentioned before would be the providers for the quick scratch game.

“This deal with Endemol is further evidence of our determination to strengthen our product range and provide the tools with which to progress our business ahead of the competition,” said Virtue Fusion CEO, Bob McCulloch.

There is a projected $62.7 dollars to be made over the next decade in online gambling.  Not necessarily by a you or me, and not even by the casino sights themselves, but by the federal government.  Unfortunately, (or fortunately the depending on the way you look at it) it won’t be used to help offset the costs of health care.  Senator Ron Wyden, a democrat from Oregon, withdrew his amendment that would have used taxes generated by the Internet Regulation, Consumer Protection And Enforcement Act, which is still pending and is used to increase low income subsidies under the America’s Healthy Future Act of 2009.

The Senator’s Communications Director, Jennifer Hoelzer stated, “The last thing Senator Wyden wants to do is make it more difficult to expand subsidies for working families by introducing a new contentious issue to the debate… (over health care)” even though some House members and online gambling and casino supporters have shown support for the amendment. “Money is money,” said Washington Representative, Democrat Jim McDermott.  It does not seem that it would be much different than the system that is used for actual casinos and lotteries throughout the country.

Detractors, like Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid feel that, a debate on changing laws regulating online casinos and gambling would be a major distraction from an already much contested and extremely heated debate on health care.  …”a detour that Senator Reid agrees is not appropriate at this time,” is the word from Regan LaChapelle, the majority leader’s spokesperson.

The Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection And Enforcement Act would provide a framework for online casino gambling operators to accept wagers from players in the United States.  It would also require by law several protections and safeguards against underage usage, fraud and identity theft, compulsive gambling and money laundering.  The bill was introduced in May by the House Committee On Financial Services Chairman, Massachusetts Democrat Barney Frank.

What kind of gambler are you?  Do you calculate the odds at blackjack?  Do you prefer the privacy of online gambling.  Do you go all in at the poker table?  Do you enjoy all the extras and bonus games on the many slot machines casinos offer?  If so do you like the high stakes or do you play the pennies hoping that it will, at least, be a good, sustainable time for your money?  There are many styles and motives for gambling and John Acres who is the president of Talo Nevada is working on a a system for slot machines that can tailor themselves to the individual players wants.

Acres stated, “When players enter a casino, they have a pretty good idea about the kind of game they want to play, but nobody is able to tell a player how to find a game that they like.”  We all know that some slots are looser than others and pay smaller amounts more frequently.  Some slots pay more at a time but not at the frequency the casual player can handle before they feel they are blowing through cash at an alarming rate without having any fun.  Who knows what the percentage is with online gambling slots?  The Talo machine, as it is called right now, would be able to suit themselves toward a players style buy gauging his or her pace.

Here is a quick French lesson.  Les joueurs de bingo en ligne ont quelque chose d’inconnue pour jouer pour.  Translation: Online bingo players have something new to play for.  One lucky gambling player could win a trip to Paris, France and a visit with Mickey Mouse and his pals at The Disneyland Resort Paris.  From September 1st to the 16th of October BingoDay.com is hosting this give away, a vacation package valued at about 2500 British pounds which is almost 4000 U.S. dollars. Online Bingo enthusiast can take the kids on a family vacation and even get in touch with their own inner child.

The rules are very simple.  In fact, there are three ways to enter.  First, for every 10 pounds (roughly 16 dollars) online players will automatically earn an entry into the prize drawing.  Second, players will be able to earn bonus entries by gambling on the Mickey Mouse Magic Pattern in Cloud Nine.  Plus, for every ten tickets you buy during the duration of the contest you earn an additional entry.  There is no need to be in an active chat to when you win.  Of course players must be over 18 years old and cannot be employees of bingoday.com’s parent company.

The lucky gambling online winner will be drawn on Monday October 17th, 2009 and will be notified within 48 hours of the drawing.  Holiday vouchers will be mailed to the registered address of the online gambler.  Anywinner outside the United Kingdom can have a cash payment made to their account.  Runners up (2nd to 10th place) will also receive credits to their account.  Official rules can be found online by clicking on the more info button on bingoday.com  Bingoday.com states that they, “…have a truly magical experience up for grabs!”  It looks like with online bingo it truly has become le small world after all.

Las Vegas was once known as the city that you visit when you can afford to travel abroad and see the countries and cities that have posted icons around the world. It was an opportunity to bring casino gambling and unique themed opportunities to tourists that traveled to the city in a very cost effective manner. Many customers didn’t mind the cheap feeling of an imitation Vegas casino hotel as it became a symbol of the iconic town, complete with lights and extravagant costumes.

Many visitors recently have become disappointed by the changeover that has happened in Las Vegas hotels and casinos. They seemed to have lost their luster and their themeing as the years have gone by. From ancient Egyptian pyramids to streets of New York, to the exciting time of Excalibur and Treasure Island, these themed resorts and casinos have drawn the attention of many visitors not just for a themed hotel night stay, but for the entire Las Vegas Experience. Visitors enjoy walking from casino to casino for their first time on the Strip just to see the different sights.

That all is changing as Las Vegas tries to shoot for a higher grade of gamblers with money to spend in the casinos. With the launch of many high end hotels, the casinos want to bring in high rollers who come to vegas not just to sight see, but to be treated like a VIP. The newer hotels have gone in this fashion and now as the older hotels get a new makeover, they are slowly trimming away the cheesy décor, for a more refined modern look.

Hotel casinos such as The Luxor opened in 1993 when themed hotels and the Bigger is Better mentality took over the Las Vegas Casinos on the Strip. Now the Chief Operating Officer has overseen the new reconstruction and stated, “You didn’t have to be a rocket scientist to realize that it needed to be freshened up.”