Million-2-1 is a subsidiary of International Game Technology (IGT), the Reno-based designer and manufacturer of computerised gaming equipment, and stated that the deal will also see it offer Riley customers the very best in mobile and online casino gaming content.

The agreement will see the Manchester-based developer organise exclusive competition prize draws for Rileys customers while also informing them of any special offers at their nearest clubs. In addition, Rileys members will be able to take advantage of exclusive offers and bonuses available both online and through its mobile platform.

“Rileys realises the importance of the mobile market and this agreement allows us to reach our customers using a fresh and innovative platform,” said Peter Hooker, Operations And Commercial Director for Rileys.

Rileys’ customers will be able to play top titles including Elvis Top 20, Hi-5 and Ooh Aah Dracula and this selection could increase in the future with the addition of games such as Rainbow Riches, Cleopatra, Monopoly and Cluedo.

Members of Rileys will also have access to a host of online casino games including poker, blackjack and roulette along with slots such as Battleship: Search and Destroy, Da Vinci Diamonds and Triple Fortune Dragon.

“This partnership demonstrates the versatility of Million-2-1,” said Simon Murphy, Commercial Director for Million-2-1.

“We are able to offer Rileys unrivalled experience and expertise in mobile marketing as well as allowing its members access to the very best in mobile and online gaming.”

Abstract from www.igamingbusiness.com

The South Carolina State Judiciary Committee recently ratified Senate Bills 535 and 628 by a vote of twelve to eight and the measures now look set for a full vote before the full Senate sometime next year.

Bill 535 also outlines the process by which a non-profit organisation may obtain a gaming license, although it asserts that 90 percent of any monies raised in an event must go directly to charity.

In February, five home poker players in the southern state were found guilty under a law from 1802 that, when read literally, makes it illegal to take part in any diversion played with cards or dice including board games such as Monopoly. However, Mount Pleasant Municipal Judge Larry Duffy ruled at the time that poker was a game of skill and not one of luck or chance, which prompted some legislators to take a second look at the antiquated legislation.

The Poker Players Alliance (PPA) poker advocacy group lobbied hard through its nearly 10,000 members in the state for a change to the law and commended the Committee for passing the two pieces of legislation.

“The thousands of poker players in the state are now one step closer to being allowed to enjoy a game of poker online or with their friends around the kitchen table without the fear of being accused of a crime under outdated state laws,” said John Ridgeway, South Carolina State Director for the PPA.

“With the continued rising popularity of poker across the country and the state of South Carolina, it is vital that any laws related to gaming not only reflect he realities of the 21st Century but establish a clear definition of what constitutes legal gaming and what constitutes illegal gaming,” said John Pappas, Executive Director for the PPA.

“These two bills achieve those goals and we urge the South Carolina Senate to quickly bring these pieces of legislation to the floor for a vote before the end of the session.”

Abstract from www.igamingbusiness.com

Under past rules, income earned in Portugal in the form of prizes or winnings from competitions, games or gambling was subject to taxation with the only exemption applying to those spoils from Euromilhoes E Liga Dos Milhoes, which are games organised by the Santa Casa Da Misericordia De Lisboa, a body that carries out activities of social interest.

Portugal amended its tax code in December following a reasoned opinion sent by the Commission in September to also exempt winnings from the European EuroMillions network, which includes EuroMillions lotteries from Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, the UK and Switzerland. However, Portugal did not extend the tax exemption to all foreign state lotteries with these continuing to be taxed.

In a statement released last week, the Commission revealed that Portugal’s current rules, although recently amended, remained contrary to the European Commission Treaty and the European Economic Area because they restrict the freedom to provide equivalent services. The Commission also stated that taxing the winnings from foreign lotteries while exempting national competitions could not be justified as a way of avoiding problem gambling.

Abstract from www.igamingbusiness.com

Harrah’s has annual revenues of around $10.8 billion and the appointment has set industry tongues wagging as to whether the American giant is planning to launch an online casino offering of its own or acquire an existing operation.

Garber will oversee a newly created division established to handle Harrah’s online and World Series Of Poker (WSOP) activities. His appintment has created some anxiety with current operators as they could soon face the prospect of competition from a large and well-financed land gambling company if the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) is overturned.

Gibraltar-based PartyGaming is the firm behind popular online poker domain PartyPoker.com and Garber became its Chief Executive Officer in 2006 before standing down last month. The Canadian joined from FireOne, a listed payment processing company for the online gaming industry, and is credited with restoring the operator’s fortunes after a large part of its core business was wiped out by UIGEA.

A lawyer, Garber also served as Executive Vice-President for Optimal Group, FireOne’s Nasdaq-listed majority shareholder, and has experience with the industry going back to the 1990s when he developed the first gaming law practice in Canada for the Montreal-based firm Lazarus Charbonneau.

In November, Gary Loveman, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Harrah’s, stated that the prospects were ‘relatively good’ that online poker would be legalised in the US. In addition, he admitted that Harrah’s had a strong interest in making online poker legal because of its ownership of the WSOP brand.

”This is something we’re going to be working hard at and we think the world got easier on this one,” said Loveman.

Abstract from www.igamingbusiness.com

The Match In Gibraltar will take place this Sunday and feature a group of UK celebrities including actors Ralf Little, Alex Lawler, Jamie Lomas, Danny Young and Gary Beadle competing for 90 minutes against an armed forces side led by Petty Officer Physical Training Instructor Dave Wilson. The celebrity team will also consist of television personality Jeff Brazier, Big Brother’s Ziggy and clubland DJ Alex P alongside Olympic sprinter Derek Redmond and music artist MC Harvey.

Held in conjunction with the first annual Gibraltar International Boat Show, The Match In Gibraltar will take place at the 5,000-seat Victoria Stadium on April 12 and feature pre-game entertainment in the shape of a Crossbar Challenge and Beat The Keeper competitions. There will also be a half-time raffle while Gibraltar-based Acquarius Marine Services will provide a cup for the winning team.

“After four days of all eyes on the waterfront, it’ll be great to get our feet on dry ground and provide a real spectacle for exhibitors, organisers, the residents of Gibraltar and visitors from Spain and beyond,” said Martin Weigold, Group Finance Director for PartyGaming.

“The Match In Gibraltar will serve to celebrate what we’re sure will have been an enormously successful first Boat Show for ‘The Rock’. It’s so admirable to see stars from the world of television, music and sport give up their precious Easter break to raise money for Help4Heroes and we intend to pack out the Victoria Stadium to raise as much as possible for this deserving cause.”

Abstract from www.igamingbusiness.com