Daily Nambling Notes - July 2, 2002

US Tidbits -- Scott Scherer, a member of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, told IGN today that he has asked the state attorney general's office to look into the legality of radio advertisements in Nevada for online casinos. "I have asked them to do some research into what our options are, but I haven't asked them to commence some kind of legal action against anyone yet," he said. Scherer said he does not foresee free speech issues associated with the advertisements. "Not when they are targeting Nevada residents for something that's clearly illegal," he added.

Asia Tidbit -- Employees of the Macau Jockey Club have been told to expect pay cuts of between 5 percent and 10 percent. The organization, which is bracing for its worst turnover in a decade, has been hit hard by Hong Kong's new ban on offshore betting. And now that the World Cup is over, average turnover is down as much as 50 percent.

New Stuff -- Interactive Gaming & Wagering is in the process of introducing its new horse betting software. IGW, a subsidiary of Global Entertainment Holdings/Equities Inc. , says its new system allows gaming operators to take bets from players on a non-pari-mutuel system. Bryan Abboud, president of IGW, said the software is a response to market needs. 'The online gaming market is witnessing a tremendous demand for horse wagering and our current licensees requested the opportunity to grow their business in this area."

Makin' Deals -- U.K. multimedia bookmaker attheraces recently signed a contract with The Press Association, a news agency, for horseracing editorial content and photos. The three-year deal will supply attheraces with content for all of its betting platforms, including its Internet site, interactive TV channel and mobile phone application.

Names and Faces -- Lawrence Elliot Hirsh, the president, CEO and counsel of Interactive Gaming & Communications Corp. , is resigning for health reasons. Gregory R. Noonan will replace him as president and CEO.

World Cupdate -- Graham Sharpe, spokesman for William Hill, is calling the World Cup the biggest betting event of all time. According to the company, the gaming industry as a whole netted about £250 million from the tournament, which earned them £90 million four years ago. Ladbrokes spokesman Matt Finnigan said the games "reached expectations." "The icing on the cake for us is that the tournament was very kind with results," he said. "A lot of shocks was very good for us."

Tidbit from Mexico -- A bill is under consideration in Mexico that would allow for the building and operations of casinos. In addition, the bill would provide government regulation for a variety of gambling that already goes on in the country, including lotteries, bingo and sports betting. The bill specifies that businesses that are issued gambling permits must provide quarterly and annual financial statements to a commission that monitor the records for any possible money laundering.