Nambling Notes - Apr. 15, 2000

A Tidbit from Oz -- Yahoo News reports that the Victoria Casino and Gambling Authority is considering proposing Internet gaming license fees of A$3,320. Anti-gambling activists are crying foul, but can feel some relief. The Victoria Parliament passed the Interactive Gaming (Player Protection) Act in 1999, but the legislation is yet to be proclaimed.

New Faces -- Is another land-based casino company look for virtual real estate? Century Casinos Inc. has just named e-commerce expert Dr. Dinah Corbaci to the company's board of directors. Century Casinos is an international casino company operating more than 100 casinos in 25 different countries.

Racing executive Craig Dado has joined Youbet.com, Inc. as a vice president. Dado will work in marketing and new business development.

Makin' Deals -- Sportingbet.com Plc has signed an exclusive deal with Singinvests Holdings Limited to promote their brand to Hong Kong, Singapore, Malay and Thai Internet and telephone clientele, with an eye on reaching markets in Taiwan, China and Korea. Turnover from marketing, plus planned Chinese and Thai language sites, is expected to reach $100 million by 2001.

Not Makin' Deals -- Moving quickly to squelch rumors that its $9.2 billion deal to acquire TV Guide, the parent of Television Games Network, was being scrapped, Gemstar International chairman and CEO Henry Yuen this week vigorously denied Internet reports to that effect, and was joined by TV Guide president Peter C. Boylan, who said "there is no truth" to the rumor. An Internet site that specializes in market speculation said it heard the takeover had been scrapped. Yuen said Gemstar had been working with the Justice Department to provide requested information, but that "we have received no indications that our previously estimated time of closing in the second quarter of this year needs to be revised." Boylan was far stronger, issuing a statement that "Although we don't comment on rumors as a matter of policy, we felt compelled to set the record straight that the concerns expressed over our merger are totally unfounded

New Stuff -- You really can bet on anything! People can register predictions for a child's future achievements on superstarprize.com, the brainchild of Irish entrepreneur Peter O'Mahoney, reports Nando Times. Family members pay $15 to register a bet predicting a family member under 10 will achieve fame or success. Royal et SunAlliance insurance company, guaranteeing payment long into the future, reportedly backs the site.

The Sportsmasters Network, along with some of the world's top snooker stars have secured £10 million backing to develop a new snooker Net portal, according to The Independent. The site is expected to offer results, news, archives, online gaming, betting and live audio commentary.

E-Vegas Gaming.com Inc. recently announced the commercial launch of its turnkey Stealth 001 Software Package. The new Java-based system facilitates online sports betting, a stock index and casino game wagering.

The Casino Networkhas debuted a new section devoted to roulette, at Roulette.casino.com. The section will be hosted by Christopher Pawlicki (a.k.a. the "Spin Doctor"). Casino.com has also added Phil Hellmuth, Jr., one of the world's top poker professionals, as a site co-host. Hellmuth is starting off by keeping an online diary of his play in the World Series of Poker tournament, which will take place at Binion's Horseshoe Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas from April 24 to May 18. Hellmuth will co-host with Andy Glazer, who will report on daily tournament events. Site visitors will even be able to listen to a live audio feed from the tournament as they root for Hellmuth.

Tax-News.com reports that Canadian-based Exbet.com has launched a financial betting website in the Cook Islands. The new site, operated by Exbet's Cbet subsidiary, will offer fixed-odds financial betting, including up/down bets, one-touch and no-touch bets, range bets, and more. Wagers will be customizable in real time on the cbet.co.ck site.