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On Line Gambling and Problem Gambling Review:

127th Edition: Macau Profits, Internet Debate Continues,
New Zealand Conference

1. New Zealand Key Event Feb. 21 - 23, 2008

   The 2008 International Gambling Conference – Looking Forward: New Directions in Research and Minimising Public Harm will examine new and emerging gambling technologies - along with their various impacts and consequences. It will consider measures to prevent and reduce harm associated with gambling, including harm from problem gambling.  Key resource people include Robert Ladouceur and Tracy Schrans.

   http://tinyurl.com/2o5qxo

2. Website Canned

   A Web site promoting campus gambling and containing links to online poker sites uses the University of Massachusetts name and logo to promote itself, and school officials are demanding that it be taken down.

   http://tinyurl.com/363s63

3. The Greens in New Zealand

   Green Party MP and Gambling Spokesperson Sue Bradford welcomed Government recognition October 11, 2007 of gambling issues that the Green Party has been concerned about for years. .  . .
   
   The press release goes on to indicate,   “ the Government agreed with the Green Party to significantly reduce the review period of the Problem Gambling levy. In the same afternoon the Department of Internal Affairs released the report 'Where do Gaming Machine Profits Go?’”
   
   http://tinyurl.com/2ragpy

4. Slashdot.org Blogs on WTO , U.S. and “Net Gambling

   The debate/rhetoric continues to grow as the United States, Europe, Antigua, Barbuda and (anyone else it appears) weigh in on compensation issues related to U.S. action.  The words swirl around UIGEA and the multiple incarnations of legislation to restrict or ban Internet gambling websites and/or Internet gambling.
   
   http://tinyurl.com/2gxhmo
   
   Nelson Rose provides his take on UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act) and his colourful renaming of the act Prohibition 2.0.
   
   http://tinyurl.com/2p6oss
   
   Gaming Intelligence Group (GIG) tells readers  “Our aim is to provide the highest quality independent and unbiased news, analysis and tools to online gaming professionals, and to serve as an information resource for industry analysts and commentators.”   This site is owned and operated by Gaming Intelligence Services Limited, a company registered in England & Wales Number 6039168.
   
   The group reports “According to Reuters, a spokeswoman (Gretchen Hamel) for the U.S. Trade Representative's office told the news agency, "In order to provide all parties with sufficient time to reach a successful resolution, the United States and the claimants have jointly agreed that these negotiations should be extended until December 14.”
   
   http://tinyurl.com/3b4bh3
   
   There is a somewhat different representation of the process on casinogamblingweb.com

   http://tinyurl.com/3as7kd

5. Whale Watching in Macau: Third Quarter Profits Climb 46%

   The big fish that swim in Macau are turning heads worldwide .  . .
   
   Macau's casino gambling revenue in the third quarter rose 46% to MOP20.34 billion (US$2.55 billion) from MOP13.95 billion in the year-earlier period, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau said October 18, 2007. 
   
   The regulator didn't elaborate on the figures it issued on its Web site, but analysts said earlier they expected casino operators' winnings from bets by high-rollers helped boost casino gambling revenue in the territory, the only place in China where casino gambling is legal.

   http://tinyurl.com/2nsdon

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126th Edition:Wales Conference, WTO Dance Continues,
Brain Atrophy and Problem Gambling, Oregon Youth Resource

1. Cryptologic Brings us Playboy and Spiderman

   Cryptologic Ltd. has obtained absolute rights to create the 1st ever online slot based on the popular Marvel Super Heroes, Spider-Man and The Fantastic Four.

   The joys of mixing fantasy with reality . . .what a timely?? extension into the world of early adult years and life choices.  The webslinging wonder may not draw gamblers to the table, however the appeal to a large youth market is clear.

   http://tinyurl.com/2htp6f
   

2. Alphabet Soup Continues . . . IGREA vs. UIGEA

   Casino Gambling Web representatives delivered the week of September 10 435 informational packages and a CD to every congress person in the United States House of Representatives.

   The action was in support of the ‘The IGREA Initiative'.  The IGREA refers to the 'Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act', or Bill H.R. 2046, which is the bill Congressman Barney Frank proposed in congress as a repeal to the UIGEA. (standing law, Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act).

   http://tinyurl.com/29y2a6

   The flag of freedom is being flung far and wide by the advocates of Bill H.R. 2046.  The full text of the bill can be found at the following site . . .

   http://tinyurl.com/2xh7jh

   Further challenges arise in the courts.  The Interactive Media Entertainment and Gaming Association challenged UIGEA.  The Acting Attorney General replied on behalf of the Federal Trade Commission.  Text of the reply can be found below . . .

   http://tinyurl.com/2h9fmt

   Hon. Judge Mary L. Cooper (3rd District/Trenton division) has set September 26th as the date to hear arguments in the case.

3. More WTO and U. S. Bluster

   Antigua representatives state that it has lost $3.4 billion a year in potential gambling exports to the US, while it exports only $3 million in other goods and services - suggesting the US will find it hard to grant enough access to other markets to compensate.
    
   Cash compensation would be one option. Mark Mendel, lead attorney for Antigua, told the Financial Times: "We are open to all suggestions and will consider anything."
    
   The US disputes the Antiguan claim of $3.4 billion figure, saying in a WTO submission that $500 000 would be more realistic.
    
   Antigua has said it could ignore US patents and other intellectual property rights if it is not compensated properly - a threat that has drawn protests from alarmed US service sector industries.

   http://tinyurl.com/2h8zju

   The Financial Times also reports claims that gambling groups are currently pressing the European Union to reject as inadequate an American compensation offer for losses suffered when the US passed legislation restricting the US online betting market last year.

    

4. Brain Atrophy and Problem Gambling

   In a study appearing in the October issue of Current Directions in Psychological Science, University of Queensland psychologist, Bill von Hippel, reports that decreased inhibitory ability in late adulthood can lead to unintended prejudice, social inappropriateness, depression, and gambling problems.

   Von Hippel also found that a penchant for gambling can be toxic for older adults, as those with poor executive functioning are particularly likely to have gambling problems. Interestingly, these problems are exacerbated in the afternoon, when older adults are less mentally alert. Older adults were more likely to get into an unnecessary argument and were also more likely to gamble all their money away later rather than earlier in the day. These findings suggest a possible avenue for intervention, by scheduling their important social activities or gambling excursions earlier in the day.

   http://tinyurl.com/yp8r6r
   

5. Gamblingweb Musings on MasterCard and Visa

   According to Casinogamblingweb.com MasterCard has spent $880,000 in the first six months of this year to lobby the federal government.

   Visa USA has in the first six months of this year given $200,000 to one lobbying company for various different legislation, one of which was Internet gambling.

   "The cost of enforcement of the UIGEA is going to be very high, not only for these and other financial processing firms, but to the average American and many corporate entities," said CGW gambling analyst Gordon Price.

   http://tinyurl.com/yqkgkb
   

6. Oregon Resource on YouTube

   Drop by this resource posted to YouTube.  The piece is written, directed and edited by Scott Hossner .  It is copywritten 2007 for the State of Oregon, Department of Human Services, Addictions and Mental Health Division. 

   The approx. 10-minute video provides great dialogue, prevention and awareness content directed to teens.  The fast pace connects well with the world of YouTube and Facebook.

   http://tinyurl.com/2aqwss
   

7. Wales, Griffiths and Problem Gambling

   The Sand conference, which is run by the Swansea Institute’s School of Digital Media, will run from November 26-30, 2007.  Experts at the annual event will reveal the extent of the gaming addiction problem. 

   Keith Bakker, the founder and director of addiction consultants Smith and Jones, and Europe’s only professor of gambling studies, Mark Griffiths – who is based at Nottingham Trent University – will both appear at the event.

   http://tinyurl.com/ypvylf

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125th Edition: Saskatchewan Centre, On Line Gambling Legislation
Neurochemical Help, and On Campus Gambling

1. The British Gambling Prevalence Survey 2007

   The Gambling Prevalence Survey is a large-scale nationally representative survey of the nature and scale gambling in Britain. It builds on a major survey previously undertaken in 1999, commissioned by GamCare.

   The site provides an overview of the methodology and the timeline.  Final report release is imminent.

   http://tinyurl.com/2y6768

2. ‘Internet Gambling Initiative’

   The ongoing legislative process grinds on in the United States.  One of many issues is the debate related to on line gambling.  The U.S. is a huge market with implications for the world wide market of on line gambling.  The site offers the perspective of the Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative (SSIGI).  In their own words  “The Initiative seeks to support U.S. citizens' rights to gamble online while insisting the proper safeguards be put in place to protect consumers and ensure the integrity of financial transactions.”

   http://tinyurl.com/2c6qzu

   The legislative wheels have turned from the current legislation of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) to debate on the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act of 2007, (H.R. 2046).  HR 2046 was introduced by Rep. Barney Frank.

   The process continued on May 3, 2006 with the “Internet Gambling Study Act,” introduced by Rep. Shelley Berkeley (Democrat-Nevada).  This bill is believed to have the support of the American Gaming Association and would provide a detailed examination of the issues of regulating Internet gambling as well as the impact of the UIGEA on Internet gambling in the United States.  The study would be conducted by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences, which would have 12 months to complete the study.

   Frank Catania provides his perspective on the process.  Catania is President of Catania Consulting Group Inc. of New Jersey.

   http://tinyurl.com/23cusj

   An interview with Rep. Barney Frank adds his take on recent on line gambling action in the European Union.  Frank is the current Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.  He introduced to Congress the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act of 2007, (H.R. 2046). 

   http://tinyurl.com/25v969
   

3. Antigua, U.S. and the WTO

   The US is unlikely to back down from its position on online gambling, despite facing billions of dollars in claims. Instead, it is maintaining that withdrawal from World Trade Organization (WTO) trade obligations to grant market access to Internet gambling companies is the best way to resolve the ongoing dispute with Antigua and Barbuda.

   On August 31, Antigua and Barbuda presented a written submission to justify its US$3.4 billion per year claim against the US. As Antigua and Barbuda’s attorney at the WTO Mark Mendel explained it, the methodology paper was a description of how Antigua and Barbuda came up with its damages. The US response to the submission, he said, is due on 19 September and then Antigua and Barbuda will get a chance to respond to the US position on 4 October.

   http://tinyurl.com/2ywtak
   

4. N-acetyl cysteine and Problem Gambling

   U of Minnesota researchers were investigating the compound, N-acetyl cysteine. They found it helps boost a natural neurochemical that is often out of balance in the brains of people with addictions. The neurochemical is called glutamate and it is associated with reward signals in the brain.

   "When people responded, which was the majority of people, they responded quite robustly," according to Dr. Jon Grant, the lead investigator on the study. "People were saying this was getting rid of their urges to gamble. They felt more in control of their gambling behavior."

   http://tinyurl.com/2dwkcf

5. National Indian Gaming Association Website

   The site provides a range of resources that includes a media centre, announcement of training events and ‘Indian Gaming Facts (U.S.)’. The fact sheet notes various jurisdictions in the U.S. that provide support programs for problem gamblers.

   http://tinyurl.com/ywhtvg

   The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority website also notes their commitment to Responsible Gaming.

   http://tinyurl.com/27975x

6. Responsible Gaming Information Centre in Regina

   The Centre has been a longstanding resource in the city and the province. The Responsible Gaming Information Centre (RGIC), the second centre of its kind in Canada, provides information, access to community resources, and referrals for those who seek help. The RGIC’s primary focus is on education and prevention; it takes a positive approach to provide the players with information they require to make informed decisions.

   Call (306) 787-2122 for more information.  Email laurie.norman@saskgaming.com

   The Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation has also introduced the iCare product.   The product combines computer software and staff training.  The process identifies at risk betting patterns and assists casinos with integrating responsible gaming with the day-to-day operations of the casino.

   http://tinyurl.com/289ged

7. On Campus Gambling Continues

   The last issue of the review noted the example of the University of Missouri and the on campus gambling opportunities.  We continue with the Ohio State University system.

   Students living on any of the campuses can find poker games on and off campus, as well as using the website www.ohiostatepoker.com The site below notes a mind-boggling number of tournaments and options.

   The option to risk it all (education, credit rating, and future career) is far too prevalent on an increasing number of campuses across North America. 

   http://tinyurl.com/292vyh

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124th Edition: Campus Poker, Bodog Blues, Macao Mammoth Casino Opens

1. Majoring in Five-Card Low?

   The beginning of summer meant the end for most poker events on and off campus, but with the new school year on the horizon, college poker life is set to ‘bloom’.

   The University of Missouri, Columbia MO offers a full range of poker options on campus.  Does this enhance the grade point average?  I think not . . .

   http://tinyurl.com/2gvkav

2. Bodog a bit of a Hound-dog?

   Online gambling website Bodog.com was out of service Monday and remained inoperative Tuesday, apparently due to a $48.6-million default judgement obtained by a Las Vegas company against Bodog in a patent infringement case.

   The release provided no details, but according to Nevada court documents, 1st Technology LLC of Las Vegas obtained a $48.6-million default judgment on June 14 against Bodog Entertainment Group S.A., Bodog.net and Bodog.com.
   The Las Vegas company obtained the judgment after the Bodog companies failed to answer allegations, filed in U.S. District Court in Nevada, that downloaded software used by Bodog customers to facilitate its gaming activities infringed upon 1st Technology's patents.
   
   http://tinyurl.com/ytuz2u

   The court proceedings include a ‘method patent’, a controversial and often litigated type of patent that covers a process rather than a particular product. 

   Mel Molnick claims to own a method patent that governs live, electronic betting from a remote location. In other words, the process by which just about every Internet gambling site does business.  He is also CEO of the Home Gambling Network.

   http://tinyurl.com/yumkzj

3. Brits Clarify Gambling Bill

   The Department of Culture, Media and Sport has moved to clarify the new Gambling Act 2005 for betting and gaming operators ahead of its introduction on September 1 with the launch of a "fact pack".

   The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) will police the industry codes of practice as laid down by the Committee of Advertising Practice and the Broadcast Committee for Advertising Practice.

   http://tinyurl.com/2hs88f

4. Do Banks Continue On Line Casino Service?

   Americas Watchdog has released the findings of a report on the ‘Involvement of US Banks and Major US Credit Card Issuers in Internet Gambling’ and have discovered that not all companies are adhering to the guidelines of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), introduced to the US in October 2006.

   Americas Watchdog bills itself as a “national advocacy group for consumer protection and corporate fair play” based in Washington, D.C.

   http://tinyurl.com/2aou48

   In one instance, an off shore Casino operator (England) openly boasted about the fact that his "off-shore casino" was "clean" compared to the "on-line casinos" operated or run by the "Russian Mafia". The same operator made the statement that his "casino" had four US players lose $500,000+ each in December of 2006".

   http://tinyurl.com/2h7965

5. Worlds Largest Casino Opens

   The world's largest casino space boasting a 50,000 square metres of floor space was opened in Macao, considered as an emerging global gambling centre. The $ 2.4 billion casino and hotel complex is owned by American billionaire Sheldon Adelson, further boosting the southern Chinese city's claim to be a major global gambling centre, surpassing even the Las Vegas Strip.

   The Venetian boasts what it claims to be the world's largest gaming space of 50,000 sq metres, housing 3,400 slot machines - with room to expand to 6,000 - and more than 800 gambling tables.

   http://tinyurl.com/3cf5kn
   

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123rd Edition:
Poker Studies, British Legal Action, NFL and Other Sports Leagues State Positions

1. AGA Awareness Initiatives

   As noted on pressofatlantic city.com “now in its 10th year, Responsible Gaming Education Week got under way August 6/07 with promises from top executives and casino regulators that they are committed to helping . . .  gamblers overcome their addiction.”

   Terry Elman, executive director of the New Jersey Council on Compulsive Gambling
   said 5 percent is a more realistic estimate (for the number of pathological gamblers) especially in New Jersey, home to Atlantic City's $5.2 billion casino industry.

   In New Jersey, the state Casino Control Commission requires casinos to promote the 1-800-GAMBLER hot line. The commission also collects gaming fines to support programs run by the New Jersey Council on Compulsive Gambling.

   “Anyone who doesn't believe that compulsive gambling is a problem should come and sit in our offices and listen to the people who sign up for self-exclusion,” said Linda M. Kassekert, the commission’s chair. “There are tales not only of squandered fortunes, but also of shattered lives, poisoned relationships, destroyed reputations and, all too often, serious criminal activity and attempted suicide.”

   http://tinyurl.com/2qbvwg

2. Androids to Fold’em?

   The Four Winds Casino Resort, in New Buffalo, Michigan (about 70 miles from downtown Chicago) opened the world's largest completely electronic poker room. The room features 15 of the PokerTek 'Poker Pro' ten seat tables, and 4 of the newer PokerPro heads up tables.

   http://tinyurl.com/2jdsdr

3. Legal Opinion on ‘Net Legislation

   This piece dated 2002 provides some historical perspective to the current debate related to UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act) and other legislative action in the U.S.  Authors Michael P. Schar and Melanie K. Corrin, New England Journal of International and Competition Law.

   http://tinyurl.com/3cua5q

4. British Act Restricts Access On Line

   On September 1, 2007, the UK's 2005 Gambling Act goes into effect, reforming many of the decades-old restrictions placed on the gambling industry.

   Twelve gambling industry organizations agreed to new  "voluntary" broadcast advertising terms and conditions this week, rather than face potentially more restrictive regulations. The organizations, representing casinos, bookmakers, and gambling websites agreed not to advertise on non-sporting event broadcasts prior to 9:00pm. They also agreed not to place logos on children's sports gear and to place warning messages on all their advertising content.

   Citing a lack of sufficient jurisdictional regulations, the UK will not allow poker or gambling websites, based in Costa Rica, the Netherlands Antilles, and Belize, to market in the UK, apparently even if those sites are licensed to operate in the UK. Not all foreign websites are affected by the ban. Any company operating within the EU, including Gibraltar, the Isle of Man, and Alderney, is not affected by the new restrictions. The UK still has not made a determination relative to companies based in Antigua and the Kahnawake reserve in Canada.

   http://tinyurl.com/2jsfac

5. Leagues Take Position on ‘Net Gambling

   A letter sent to congress on July 30 signed by the NBA, NHL, NFL, MLB and other major American sports groups is noted on casinogamblingweb.com   The letter is lengthy and states the concerns those leagues have with the possible legalization of gambling online.

   A transcript of the letter is noted on the site, signed by the following: Rick Buchanan, Executive VP and General Counsel, National Basketball Association, Elsa Kircher Cole, General Counsel, National Collegiate Athletic Association William Daly, Deputy Commissioner National Hockey League, Tom Ostertag, Senior VP and General Counsel, Major League Baseball Jeffrey Pash, Executive VP and General Counsel, National Football League.

   http://tinyurl.com/2pnabf

6. Mobile Phones Add to Gambling Options

   Mobile casino downloads have increased around the world since the introduction of mobile casino software several years ago. Wild Jack's mobile casino software is one that has increased in demand since the mobile gaming boom began. They use the GameWire v3.1 software upgrade, deployed through the state-of-the-art wireless casino system from Spin3 technology.
   Ed. Note:  The growth of gaming has increased gambling options on line.  The challenge of developing gambling related problems increases for the target market of cell phone users, young adults, both women and men.
   http://tinyurl.com/3cocjg

7. Academic Freedom? Poker 101

   Harvard Law professor Charles Nesson is set to announce the forming of the Global Poker Strategic Thinking Society, an organization that 'views poker as a game of skill that can be used as a teaching tool at all levels of academia and in secondary education.'

   The Society aims to offer workshops and seminars to secondary schools and community centers, using poker as a means of developing strategic thinking skills. Bringing the secondary strategic lessons taught by poker to underprivileged neighborhoods is among the highest of Nesson's goals with the project.

   Ed. Note:  I caution educators about jumping on this wobbly band wagon.  The reality of losses and the impact on youth and families is very real.  ‘Strategic thinking’ should be tempered with growing debt and isolation that comes with gambling without boundaries yet established in young lives.

   http://tinyurl.com/2lex3e

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122nd Edition: Britain Takes Action, Basketball Full Court Press, Weblog Source

1. Changing of Guard in Britain?

   A rather biased perspective on implementation of the British Gambling Act by Amy Calistri www.pokernews.com  Ms. Calistri asserts that on June 27, 2007, Gordon Brown assumed the office of British Prime Minister, but his heavy hand on gambling reform was felt even before he assumed the office. In his previous office as Chancellor of the Exchequer, it was Brown's job to establish the government's budget, including associated tax rates. The lynchpin to regulating online gaming hinged on being able to set a low enough tax rate to lure offshore companies into the UK's legal framework. Government pundits and industry analysts were banking on a proposed remote gambling duty in the range of 2-3%. But when Brown pitched the budget to the House of Commons earlier this year, he tagged the remote gambling duty at 15%; a tax everyone knew, including Brown, would be prohibitive.
   
   

   http://tinyurl.com/2dn5on

   The 2005 Gambling Act may be viewed at the following site.

   http://tinyurl.com/fwh8c

2. NBA Flurry: Gambling a Way of Life?

   The commissioner of the National Basketball Association, David Stern, confirmed July 24 that federal authorities expect to accuse one of its referees, Tim Donaghy, of betting on N.B.A. games and providing information to gamblers.

   Bettors on basketball games generally focus not simply on which team will win, but also on the size of the winning margin, known as the point spread. Referees can influence the final score in the way they call fouls and enforce rules, and they possess information about player tendencies that is supposed to remain confidential.

   http://tinyurl.com/2y9pba

   ESPN writer Scoop Jackson has his own perspective on the NBA news . . .

   http://tinyurl.com/2d2t84

3. Journal of Gambling Issues June 2007

   Drop by the June 2007 issue of the Journal . . . pieces of note include . . .
   Mapping the prevalence of problem gambling and its association with treatment accessibility and proximity to gambling venues

   Brian Rush, Scott Veldhuizen, & Edward Adlaf
   Recall of electronic gaming machine signs: A static versus a dynamic mode of presentation

   Sally Monaghan & Alex Blaszczynski
   Interactive television quizzes as gambling: A cause for concern?

   Mark Griffiths
   The Journal URL is as follows:
   http://www.camh.net/egambling/

4. Problem Gambling Prevention Weblog

   Drop by this informative blog. The focus is on problem gambling prevention with an ‘Oregonian perspective’ . . .

   http://gamblingprevention.blogspot.com/

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121st Edition: U.S., Europe and Antigua Tangle,
Professional Gamblers and NCRG Conference

1. Ohio Ban

   Ohio state's democratic governor, Ted Strickland, has asked the GOP controlled legislature to ban cash payouts from gaming machines, which are increasingly popping up around the state.
   
   tinyurl.com/248nmf
   
   The twists and turns of state legislatures and their dance with lobbyists come to mind as we read the op.ed. piece on the bucyrustelegraphforum.com site.
   
   tinyurl.com/2erv4s

2. A Touch of History from a Professional. . . Gambler not Historian

   Ted Sevransky began betting on sports regularly when he held a job managing a sports bar in 1992. He moved to Las Vegas to bet on sports as a full time professional in 1998.
   
   The allure of the life of a professional gambler is often glamorized. Yes, there are those who can succeed in the ‘profession.’ However it is important to recognize the difference between fact and fiction. The costs of the lifestyle can be high and losses must also be cited hand in hand with wins.
   
   He provides his caustic perspective on the UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act).
   
   tinyurl.com/yuuwtg

3. 8th Annual NCRG Conference on Gambling and Addiction
   Paris Las Vegas Resort and Casino, Las Vegas
   November 11-13, 2007

   The NCRG Conference will test conventional wisdom about how to best protect those most vulnerable from developing gambling disorders and how to provide those who do develop problems with effective means of recovery.
   
   tinyurl.com/2fo6rw

4. EU Takes on the U.S.

   The European Union told the U.S. June 19 that it wanted compensation for a U.S. foreign online gambling sites ban that doesn't comply with global trade rules.
   
   The E.U. - the world's largest consumer market - joins the tiny Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda in seeking compensation. The twin-island nation argued that online gambling had provided income for hundreds of its citizens and was helping to end its reliance on tourism, which was hurt by a series of hurricanes in the late 1990s.
   
   tinyurl.com/yp8kd7

5. Antigua Tenacity Continues: Challenges U.S.

   Antigua and Barbuda said June 20 that it was entitled to $3.44 billion in compensation from the United States in a World Trade Organization dispute over a U.S. ban on Internet gambling.  The compensation demand would be enforced as Antigua withdrew intellectual property protection for U.S. trademarks, patents and industrial designs, the government said.
   
   "We feel we have no other choice in the matter, we have fought long and hard for fair access to the U.S. market and have won at every stage of the WTO process," Errol Cort, Antigua's finance minister, said.
   
   After losing the case at the WTO, Washington announced that it would take the unprecedented legal step of changing the international commitments it made as part of a 1994 treaty regulating trade in services among the 150 members of the WTO. As a result, Washington declined to challenge the WTO ruling, because it says that its legal maneuver effectively ends the case.
   
   Ed. Note: How convenient it is to change the rules of the game midstream.
   
   tinyurl.com/yq2oj2

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120th Edition: British Support for ‘Net Reform, Antigua and WTO Challenge and B.C. Lottery Action

1. Selling Sex and Gambling

   “Playboy Casino uses the Cryptologic software, which automatically puts them in the running to be the best online casino. Cryptologic is the provider that became famous when they introduced the most advanced games, the Marvel Slots, to the world, and it is also the network provider of the Millionaire Club Progressive Slot that earlier this month paid out more than $8 million to an online player.”
   
   tinyufl.com/yrzmjb
   It seems that sex and gambling continue to play on mutual marketing schemes. Has it always been so? Probably, however there comes a time when pathology and impulse control issues need to be addressed . . . as in the following case . . .
   
   The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has ordered the firm behind Poker.com to stop advertising online gambling as likely to provide access to sexual favors . . .
   
   tinyurl.com/222ofl

2. ‘Net Bill Support Across the Pond

   Two U.K.-based companies, the UC Group and Baker Tilly Accountants, recently announced the Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative. Besides promoting principles of safe, regulated online gambling, the initiative is also intended to provide information about -- and marshal support for -- the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act of 2007 (H.R. 2046) introduced by Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) on April 26th.
   
   tinyurl.com/2hx429

3. Antigua Continues to Chase Goliath: On Line Betting

   Antigua and Barbuda has appealed to other WTO Members to help make it harder for the US to avoid complying with dispute rulings against Washington's restrictions on foreign-based Internet gambling. WTO dispute panels and the Appellate Body have, in a series of decisions, agreed with Antigua's complaint that the US' multilateral commitments to liberalize its "recreational services" sector prevent it from legally shutting its borders to overseas-based internet gambling operators. The US has insisted that it would continue to maintain the barriers, prompting Antigua to question the efficacy of WTO dispute settlement for small economies.
   
   Washington has maintained that it never meant to open its market to cross-border gambling when scheduling its commitments during the Uruguay Round, and thus should not be penalized. Therefore, it says that it need not provide compensation to countries that might one day be negatively affected by the change, even though GATS Article XXI requires Members to do so when seeking to alter their commitments. It has sought to justify its restrictions by arguing that they are necessary to protect public morals - as permitted by WTO rules under certain circumstances.
   
   Ed. Note: Is the ‘morals’ argument a case of the selective U.S. reading of the WTO legislation being selectively high minded when it meets narrow U.S. economic needs (with exceptions for various loopholes wide enough for a prairie plow wind to blow through??)
   
   tinyurl.com/23q9yp

4. Winning Fair and Square: A Report on the British Columbia Lottery Corporation’s Prize Payout Process

   Thanks to Steve Christensen for passing on this link . . .noting some key terms for the reader BCLC (British Columbia Lottery Corporation) and GPEB (Gaming Policy Enforcement Branch)
   
   I quote from the Ombudsman Kim Carter and the 142-page report:
   “As this report demonstrates more still needs to be done to achieve the fairness, strict accountability and transparency that BCLC itself says it considers indispensable to its successful operation.
   
   Our findings identify the deficiencies and our 27 recommendations are designed to set out what needs to be done so that the rightful owners of winning tickets can be confident that they receive the correct prize . . .”
   
   “It is always tempting to look for simple solutions. Prohibiting retailer and retailer employees from playing BCLC lottery games is one such solution. That, however, would punish the many honest retailers and retailer employees – the people who responded to our survey and themselves recommended improvements to the prize payout procedures. The recommendations we make may seem less dramatic, but are designed to more effectively fill the gaps in the current system.”
   
   tinyurl.com/2a9355

5. New South Wales Survey: Young Men Challenged

   The survey involved 5,000 people. Single men aged between 18 and 24, who left school at year 10, are most likely to have the biggest problem according to the survey. The Chairman of the Responsible Gambling Fund, the Reverend Harry Herbert, has cautioned against complacency, despite the research finding the rate of problem gambling has fallen. "Point eight per cent of the population in New South Wales does amount to more than 40,000 people, so it still remains a serious problem," he said. "Two point four per cent of the population, a much larger group have got serious risks of gambling problems."
   
   tinyurl.com/2d6omv

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119th Edition: U.S. Court Action, Debit Card Growth,
Cashless Machines and NCRG Annual Report

1. Study on the ‘Net? More Shifts in Sand in U.S. Legislation

   Rep. Shirley Berkley (D-Nev.) introduced a bill in the US House of Representatives May 3/07 calling for a one-year study of Internet gambling by the National Academy of Sciences, to identify the proper response of the United States to the growth of online gambling, which includes online poker.
   
   tinyurl.com/2rxhex
   
   The text of the legislation (H.R. 2140) may be found here . . .
   
   tinyurl.com/26jw5s

2. The Mighty Are Falling? Partygaming Profit Warning

   When President Bush signed a law aimed at banning online gaming the company, Partygaming, which generated three quarters of its revenue from America, stopped taking bets there. It had to work furiously to rebuild its customer base elsewhere.
   
   tinyurl.com/2mxg4g

3. Debit Card Option Grows

   Neteller issued a press release announcing a new debit card program for members in Europe and Asia Pacific. The new card will replace members' existing cards and has lower fees associated with most transactions.
   
   One of the key advantages claimed by the creators of the new card program for global members is that their debit cards will no longer be tied to Canadian currency. In the past, global members had to pay a foreign exchange fee for transactions made in their home currency.
   
   The new cards will be available in multiple currencies and will be tied to the customer's e-wallet account.
   
   tinyurl.com/364qun

4. Women and Gambling

   Figures show that more than half of online casino players are now women, a statistic that has even taken the online gambling community by surprise.
   
   tinyurl.com/2f8x3x

5. Cashless Machines Abound

   Thanks to Steve Christensen for passing on this piece . . .
   
   A gaming manager at one of Sydney Australia’s largest hotel groups yesterday told the Daily Telegraph it was "well known" that cashless pokies to be rolled out in NSW clubs boosted profits.
   
   tinyurl.com/37o83f

6. NCRG Annual Report 2006

   I provide this link to the annual report of the National Centre for Responsible Gaming. The centre is the affiliated charity of the American Gaming Association.
   
   tinyurl.com/329kce

7. U.S. Department of Justice Walks the Walk

   On May 11, 2007 the Department of Justice issued a press release, announcing the indictment of seven individuals and four companies, including the sports betting website BetUS, relating to their involvement with internet gambling.
   
   tinyurl.com/2jtesx

8. Yahoo Spreads Wings-On Line Gambling

   Yahoo launched a new site called Yahoo Poker. The site’s not for kiddies, and it’s not a joke; players will use real money. Euros and British pounds are the only eligible forms of money, however, as Yahoo Poker is being offered through the company’s site for the UK and Ireland.
   
   Also, as PokerPages.com reported “Players resident in the USA are not currently accepted.”
   
   tinyurl.com/33fhrr

9. Under the B . . .Show Biz ABC Style

   ABC Brings Internet Gambling Into Your House Legally via Bingo . . . The concept of the show goes like this . . . one player will be trying to accumulate 500 points before anyone in the studio audience reaches a traditional winning combination of down, horizontal, or across.
   
   One of the catches to the show is that people at home can play also by picking up their game cards from ABC.com. Various prizes are awarded to the at home players if they get bingo by the end of each individual game. Prizes for the home viewers include gift cards and vacation trips, as well as cash.
   
   tinyurl.com/2nfwz2
   
   I close this edition with a piece by Jeff Hwang (May 18, 2007) on www.fool.com . . . interesting take on the words of Warren Buffet and other thoughts . . .
   
   tinyurl.com/3c23rd
   
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118th Edition: Social Costs of Gambling, Lobby Group Promotes Gambling Assets, World Series of Poker Growth

1. UIGEA Challenged by New Bill

   U.S. House of Representatives Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank introduced a bill April 26 to lift a ban on online gambling.
   
   tinyurl.com/27lvjs
   
   An on line petition has been posted in support of changes to the legislation. At time of writing, there were 3,328 signatures collected.
   
   tinyurl.com/2q8ffa
   
   The text of the bill, ‘‘Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act of 2007’’ may be found at the following link:
   
   tinyurl.com/2goz8o
   
   The organization ‘Internet Business Law Services’ provides their subjective summary of events. IBLS describes its function as “keeping everyone who uses the Internet apprised of the global laws and regulations that affect their online experience. It empowers business and legal professionals to design successful Internet strategies by bringing them the global knowledge of Internet business rules and regulations written by legal experts around the world.”
   
   tinyurl.com/28d46r

2. Industry Lobby Group Provides Study

   The Canadian Gaming Association has funded a study that considers gambling revenue in Canada. The first phase of the study was released April 26.
   
   The first phase of the study was released at the CGA’s Canadian Gaming Summit, a three-day gathering of more than 1,200 industry representatives in Toronto. The study covers the economic impact of gaming, broken down by type and by region, with a focus on overall revenues, direct employment, revenues generated for all three levels of government, and other ancillary benefits.
   
   Ed. Note: The social and economic costs of gambling must be part of any balanced review of the impacts of the industry in any community.
   
   News Release:
   tiny7urlcom/22uar5
   
   Paul Burns, Vice President, Public Affairs, Canadian Gaming Association provided the attached backgrounder (as attached). He informs me that the report will be released in the future.

3. World Series of Poker Takes Off

   The WSOP Circuit series continued with their latest stop at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. The $5,000 + $150 buy-in NL Hold'em tournament attracted 336 entrants which exceeded initial expectations by tournament staff. The total prize pool is $1,629,600 and the top 36 places will make the money.
   
   tinyurl.com/yph9go

4. Cost of Gambling; Who is the Winner?

   I was surprised to see a rather scathing critique of governments (state in particular) on the Eye on Gambling website. Mark Lange makes a compelling argument for reasoned analysis of the social cost of gambling. Revenues from gambling versus tax increases. . and the role of any government (including those in Canada I might add) as a trustee of the public good.
   
   tinyurl.com/2fgx9z

117th Edition: WTO Skirmish, Help Line Calls Soar,
Youth and Scale Validation and Poker and ‘Luck’

1. Divine Intervention: British Bill Challenged

   The Archbishop of Canterbury cast a crucial vote March 28 when he turned up with other bishops in the House of Lords to speak against the government's proposals for a supercasino in Manchester - which were defeated by just three votes.
   
   Speaking in the House of Lords for the first time since May of 2006, Rowan Williams said of the government's plans for a supercasino in Manchester: "Sadly, the general impression that has been given is of a piece of inadequately monitored social experimentation.”
   
   (Thanks to Steve Christensen for passing on this link . . . )
   
   tinyurl.com/21pyap

2. WTO Ruling Muddies Waters Again

   In a judgment published late on March 30 the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled that the unilateral prohibition imposed by the US on offshore Internet gambling is illegal.
   
   It was back in 1995 when the US government first promised the international organization that it would open-up its gambling industry to competition. However, under extreme lobbying pressure from powerful interests in places such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City, for the next ten years nothing was done to fulfill the pledge.
   
   Ed. Note: It seems that the United States will simply continue to ignore the WTO rulings. The American challenge remains what to do with their own Pandora’s Box of the Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act (now under a host of various names; hotly debated in many corners) Current name, UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act).
   
   tinyurl.com/38rxlp
   
   The gambling industry is especially watching the United Kingdom, whose Gambling Act of 2005 comes into full force September 2007. The Gambling Act will allow online companies to be located and licensed in the UK or alternately to remain offshore but apply for a UK operating license.
   
   When the UIGEA was passed, many large UK-registered gaming companies lost their US customers and consequently took a huge loss in book value. So UK officials may be pressed by the many UK-based gaming companies to work with the WTO to assure 'free trade' to win back the business of US customers.
   
   The Full WTO report “UNITED STATES – MEASURES AFFECTING THE CROSS-BORDER SUPPLY OF GAMBLING AND BETTING SERVICES” may be viewed at . . .
   
   tinyurl.com/2rjeac

3. Britain: Help Line Call Numbers Up

   GamCare, a charity that counsels people with gambling problems, has published its annual care services report, which shows that more than 30,240 calls were made to its help line last year - a 33.9% increase on 2005.
   
   Adrian Scarfe, GamCare head of clinical services, urges caution in the interpretation of the figures: "The increase may be because more people are getting to know about our services, or it could be that media interest has lowered the barrier to people seeking support. The debate about the issue has helped public awareness of gambling."
   
   tinyurl.com/2qqtq7

4. Discontinuation of Gambling: Scale Validation

   The report by Kelli-an Lawrance, Ph.D., Andrew Dane, Ph.D., John Yardley, Ph.D., Lisa Root, M.Sc. and Jennifer McPhee, M.Sc. offers information related to youth who gamble responsibly and those who are at risk. The authors note that . . .
   
   “results from this study are intended to provide clinicians and researchers with additional information about the differences between youth who gamble responsibly and those who are at-risk for developing a gambling problem or gambling problematically. These results may be subsequently used to guide the development of education, prevention, and treatment interventions, and may suggest how and when to effectively introduce risk reduction and brief intervention strategies aimed at reducing youth problem gambling.”
   
   tinyurl.com/3yn7g2

5. Regression and Luck

   Dr. Tim Lavalli tells us that “Regression toward the mean is the tendency for any series mathematical events to average out. This simply means that events like extreme tests scores or terrible river suckouts or 'holes-in-one' tend to happen rarely and when seen as a mathematical average this makes logical sense.”
   
   He also shares a ‘semi scientific’ test to make his point; he is aided by a group of avid poker players.
   
   tinyurl.com/3achoz

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116th Edition: EGM Study in Saskatchewan, British Code and EU Action

1. Electronic Gaming Machines and Problem Gambling

   The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority asked the Responsible Gambling Council to prepare the report. Key elements include a review of . . .
        a) EGM Features      b) Venue Features      c) Community Accessibility
   
   The Minister responsible in the provincial government cabinet indicated as a response “there will not be an increase in the cap of 4,000 video lottery terminals in the province.” She also indicated that there would be no further approval of new casinos in the province after two First Nation casinos are opened.
   
   Ed. Note: I have read the report and my reaction is one of disappointment. I would suggest that there are two areas that present our province with options for action. Slowing the rate of play of EGM's (electronic gaming machines) would be helpful. Anecdotal information that I have from several counsellors indicates that players note how quickly they can lose so much money while playing VLTs. A second step would be to move to apply 'smart card' technology. The technology can include card based access controls, player-controlled self-limits, provider-controlled self-limits and perhaps self-exclusion from play or access to sites.
   
   There remains much work to be done on a whole array of technology. However, waiting for further research is a shallow and limited response.
   
   tinyurl.com/yux5qq

2. Full Court Press In Nevada

   Reps. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., and Jon Porter, R-Nev. are working on legislation that would require the National Academy of Sciences to conduct an 18-month study of online wagering. "The purpose of our bill is to provide a comprehensive study with detailed information on the expanded growth of Internet gambling," Berkley said.
   
   Thanks to David Schwartz www.dieiscast.com for this piece.
   
   tinyurl.com/27w3k4

3. British Code of Conduct

   Roger Wisbey, the secretary of the Committee of Advertising Practice and the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice, said the changes marked "a significant milestone" in the way betting and gaming could be advertised.
   
   The self-regulatory body that draws up the codes with which all advertisers must comply said March 12/07 the "strict new rules" would ensure the adverts remained socially responsible.
   
   tinyurl.com/2dnpar

4. European Union Flexing Muscles on Internet Gambling

   The Commission for the European Union today demanded that countries who do not allow out of country sports betting, or Internet gambling activities, yet promote in-country gambling such as government run lotteries and casinos, must open up their borders to gambling or the EU can take them to court.
   
   tinyurl.com/yqt2nj
   
   In a related piece . . .
   
   European sources have now reported that the Czech Republic could soon begin a governmental probe into on line gambling sites, fueled by complaints that domestic operators are being discriminated against by Czech laws that preserve a gambling monopoly for the government.
   
   tinyurl.com/youqc7

5. New Zealand Social Marketing

   In response to the issue of problem gambling the Health Sponsorship Council (HSC) has developed and implemented a national social marketing program that strengthens society’s understanding and awareness of, and response to, gambling-related harms.
   
   Click on ‘Our Communities, Our Families, Our Problem’ to view some innovative video clips that are contained within the program.
   
   tinyurl.com/2yjusk

6. New York Council Web Site

   Drop by the website of the New York Council on Problem Gambling. The site has a number of helpful resources. The well-known risks to youth are noted within the site. It is important to recognize universally recognized youth gambling problems. Action is the key to making a difference at an early age.
   
   “The New York Council on Problem Gambling is a not-for-profit independent corporation dedicated to increasing public awareness about problem and compulsive gambling and advocating for support services and treatment for persons adversely affected by gambling. The Council maintains a neutral stance on gambling and is governed by a Board of Directors.”
   
   tinyurl.com/2a4mmb

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115th Edition: Hospitals Rely on Gambling,
Women and Poker, Duty of Care and . . . Superbowl Windfall

1. Britain on Parade . . .Once Again

   The government is reconsidering the shock decision to award Britain's first super-casino to Manchester to stem a powerful rebellion among MPs and Lords. Tessa Jowell, the Culture Secretary, is 'considering the arguments for appointing an ad hoc committee of MPs' to look again at the issue. Jowell told MPs and Lords of the possibility in a private meeting last week. It will be welcomed by Blackpool, seen by many as the logical venue for the country's first Las Vegas-style gambling venue, but will infuriate Manchester council leaders.
   
   tinyurl.com/yosgh2

2. Women and Poker Reprise

   This piece was noted as a stand alone earlier on in list serv format . . .however, it is well worth revisiting . . .
   
   Earl Burton with poker news.com reports . . . A recent study showed that approximately 50% of the players in the online poker world are female. The number of women coming to the brick and mortar casino poker rooms seems to be on the increase as well.
   
   The story focuses on the work of Maryann Morrison, a recent arrival in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. (Ed. Note: Our program responded to the story in the local media, noting the social costs and the resources available to assist those who may encounter problems related to gambling.)
   
   tinyurl.com/2r6qkn

3. Liability and Duty of Care

   “A “problem gambler” is broadly defined as any person whose ability to resist the impulse to gamble has been impaired, or whose gambling has compromised, disrupted or damaged personal, family or vocational pursuits. In a 2001 study, it was estimated that 4.8% of adults who gamble are problem gamblers, a rate that translates into approximately 340,000 people in Ontario. Problem Gamblers reportedly contribute 35% of Ontario gaming revenue. Clearly, government-sponsored gambling comes at a significant social cost to a vulnerable segment of society.” -From: DO ONTARIO AND ITS GAMING VENUES OWE A DUTY OF CARE TO PROBLEM GAMBLERS?, William V. Sasso and Jasminka Kalajdzic. 2007 The authors examine the legal issue of whether and in which circumstances the Government of Ontario, its agency, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), and/or the casinos and the other gaming venues operating under its authority may be obligated at law to compensate problem gamblers or their dependents.
   
   tinyurl.com/2fdodl

4. New Zealand Gambling Act Tested

   A seasonal worker from Gisborne has been sentenced to community work for bookmaking. The person is the first to be prosecuted for illegal bookmaking since the Gambling Act came into force in 2003.

   tinyurl.com/23zlko

5. Pigskin Rap: Not Hip Hop, Not R&B, Rather Super Bowl Song of Loss

   The amount wagered with direct bets, side bets and beyond hovers between $6 and $7 billion dollars. . yes, on the Super Bowl, the NFL Championship game. This year, 2006, as the high-tech formulas of online betting sites eclipse the old dry-erase board of the office pool, that number is expected to grow to $7 billion, making Super Bowl XLI the most lucrative hour of sports history.
   
   tinyurl.com/294rqk

6. Viva Italia! Challenge to EU Action

   The top European court on March 6/07 prohibited Italy from prosecuting bookmakers based in other European countries, a ruling that private companies hailed as a milestone in efforts to pry European betting markets from government-run monopolies.
   
   But countries like France and Germany, where national gambling monopolies provide a lucrative revenue stream, have tried to curb their activities.
   
   The arguments run up and down the scale of spin by various parties . . . The German federation of state lottery systems, Deutscher Lotto- und Totoblock, said the decision vindicated its position, noting that Germany was in a different situation than Italy, where the government recently allowed some private gambling operators to compete with the state-run provider.
   
   The crush of challenges facing the EU is compounded with this latest news; stay tuned.
   
   tinyurl.com/246d5q

7. Hospitals, Gambling, and the Public Good: A Special Responsibility

   David Korn, MD, CAS and Jennifer Reynolds, M.Ed. provide this thoughtful report on the implications for health care facilities ‘gambling’ on their future.
   
   The report presents the results of the first study in Canada to examine gambling policy and practices in Ontario hospitals and foundations. The primary purpose of the study was to explore how hospitals decide whether they are going to use gambling for fund development.
   
   Ed. Note: The challenges to universal health care are many . . .is relying on gambling the best approach to solve cash and service shortfall . . .knowing the risks to gamblers and their families?
   
   tinyurl.com/yuudom

8. Bodog no Dog . . .Not in Net Revenue Terms ;)

   "Calvin Ayre Wild Card Poker," the promotional poker programming effort from Bodog, is returning for its second season. This time, however, the program is trying something new. CAWCP II is framing the championship of the event within a reality-TV format that will bring the final contestants to Antigua for a week's worth of Ayre-style living, all wrapped up with the chance to win the $2 million prize package --- a million in cash and a contract worth another million as a member of Team Bodog.
   
   I hope that Calvin also provides legal services as a hedge against possible litigation just around that next stretch of endless beach . . .
   
   tinyurl.com/yrlr48

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114th Edition: Neteller Woes, WTO Debate, United Church of Canada Position

1. Another Take on Netettler

   Jacob Sullum offers his perspective on the FBI and Neteller founders arrested January 2007 . . .
   
   Although Stephen Lawrence and John Lefebvre are charged with money laundering, there was nothing sneaky about their "conspiracy." In 1999 the two Canadians co-founded Neteller, an online payment processing company, now based in the Isle of Man, that openly specialized in serving online gamblers.
   
   The FBI's investigation of Lawrence and Lefebvre, who were arrested in January/07 and faced a preliminary hearing in New York the week of February 14/07, consisted mainly of reading their public statements and using Neteller to bet on a couple of football games—a vice that in the (United States) has to rank up there with eating a second slice of Mom's apple pie while listening to The Star-Spangled Banner. Yes, the feds really blew the lid off this publicly traded company that never made a secret of who its customers were or what it did for them.
   
   http://tinyurl.com/yvdzzn

2. WTO and Antigua Babble Continues

   The World Trade Organization (WTO) has ruled against the US in an online gambling dispute with the Caribbean island of Antigua and Barbuda. The US is breaking international trade rules, it is expected to say.
   
   Though the ruling is still private, Reuters has reported that the WTO has found the US guilty of not complying with a 2005 order in the case.
   
   A WTO dispute resolution panel found in Antigua's favour in 2003. The US appealed but the Appeals Board found largely for Antigua in 2005. The WTO has now found that the US has not tried hard enough to stick to that decision.
   
   The US has the opportunity to appeal the latest ruling after it is published in March.
   
   http://tinyurl.com/2c7fzz

3. March 5 – 11, 2007 Awareness Week

   The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) U.S. is pleased to present the 5th Annual Problem Gambling Awareness Week campaign, a United States grassroots public awareness and outreach campaign. It will be held March 5-11, 2007.
   
   The goal of this campaign is to educate the general public and health care professionals about the warning signs of problem gambling and raise awareness about the help that is available both locally and nationally in the United States.
   
   http://tinyurl.com/2bjvho

4. Competition Bureau Letter Gains Support

   The United Church of Canada has come out in support of a complaint filed to the Competition Bureau by a group of individuals decrying Electronic Gaming Machines.
   
   http://tinyurl.com/yocglu

5. Australian Labour Party and Gambling

   Stanley Ho has become one of the biggest donors behind Australia's Labor Party, sparking talk of a new casino for Sydney. Ho has donated $109,000 to the ALP which contests the NSW state election in March 2007. It is alleged that $48,000 of Ho's backing is to pay for the casino chief to have lunch with NSW Premier Morris Iemma.
   
   Ho is the biggest player in the casino business globally, owning sixteen of Macau's 24 casinos. Until the industry was deregulated in 1999 following China's takeover of the former-Portuguese province, Ho owned all the casinos in Macau.
   
   http://tinyurl.com/2befwu

6. Saskatchewan Science Centre Camps

   Each year over 2500 children from Saskatchewan (Canada) and beyond take part in the Science Centre group sleepover program.  Once such program is the ‘Risk it all Camp-In’.  Risk It All Camp-In Grades 5 – 12. What do gambling and rock climbing have in common? What’s the difference between games of skill and games of chance? Find out as you explore the science of risk-taking. Put your understanding of probability, chance and luck to the test as you participate in games and challenges. This night is sure to be a rush!
   
   Cost: Free thanks to support from the Community Initiatives Fund, Problem Gambling Community Grant. This program is reserved for under-served, rural and at-risk youth.  Ed. Note:  Our program (CMHA) supports the important work of the Science Centre and that of Saskatchewan Health.  We are participants in day long conferences organized by Saskatchewan Health at the Centre with a focus on youth and risk taking.
   
   http://tinyurl.com/2755yk

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113th Edition: Youth Gambling in Ontario, Campus Challenges, Winnipeg Conference, FBI Case Impacts Canada

1. Performance and Enhancement of the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI): Report and Recommendation

   In February 2001, a newly developed instrument was launched to measure the prevalence of gambling and problem gambling in the general population. The Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI), introduced under the aegis of the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) on behalf of a consortium of provincial funding resources, was developed to provide a more accurate measure than other available instruments. The CPGI was validated with a general population sample, unlike other instruments (e.g. SOGS and DSM-IV) that were constructed using clinical samples of problem gamblers.
   
   The authors of the report assert the following . . .
   
   As a result, the CPGI provides greater distinction among gambling sub-types, and contributes to our understanding of the distribution from low risk to problem gambling.
   
   tinyurl.com/2nsw3g

2. Teen Gambling in Ontario

   Readers can add this RGCO piece to the range of sources related to youth and gambling. I found the following two observations telling . . .
   
   “In a typical month, participants reported spending the most amount of money on Internet gambling ($21.65), Pro-line/Sports Select ($11.52), sporting events/games/pools betting ($10.40), and poker ($10.03). They reported spending the most amount of time on Internet gambling (2 hours) . . . ”
   
   “A large proportion . . . particularly of 16 year-olds, also reported gambling for monetary reasons, such as needing money or wanting to win back losses.”
   
   tinyurl.com/yrqy2n

3. Oklahoma Bound

   Based on national statistics, 1 to 3 percent of the population suffers from gambling addiction. That would amount to approximately 78,000 Oklahomans. Jennifer Glover, Treatment Services Director for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, notes that stat.
   
   But no specific research has been conducted in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Association for Problem and Compulsive Gambling is trying to change that, with some educational help. The association is in the proposal stage to work with the College of Human Environmental Sciences at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.
   
   tinyurl.com/352lbu

4. Crash Course: Cramming for that Final Exam?

   “I make a joke that ... the second-best gambling environment in America is the college dorm,” said Ken Winters, a professor at the University of Minnesota who has studied youth addictions, including gambling. “You've got your privacy, you've got your high-speed Internet, you have independence from a parent, you probably now have some credit card money. ... It's like a little mini casino right in your laptop. ... It's almost too easy.”
   
   The increase in poker as a mainstay activity is duly noted. I’m sure the numbers in Canada will echo research done in the U.S.
   
   Card playing and Internet gambling have increased among college-age males over the past five years, the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania found. About 16 percent of them played cards weekly in 2006, up from nearly 13 percent in 2005, and nearly 6 percent of them gambled online weekly, up from 2.3 percent in 2005.
   
   Long time gamblers add their perspective to this piece by Pam Louwagie.“They end up being gamblers with no family, no life, no nothing,” said Dick Hoffman . . . (He) has been gambling for 30 years, though not as a profession.“Poker will be their life. Maybe that's OK, I don't know. But I wonder.”
   
   I wonder as well . . . the culture of play and the prominence of gambling as a self-defining activity is a challenge for treatment and prevention professionals across Canada and the U.S.
   
   tinyurl.com/2nf9ov

5. Venue Design and Problem Gambling

   The devil may in fact be in the details . . . Dr. Karen Finlay, Department of Consumer Studies, University of Guelph provides some valuable food for thought. Her research “Assessing the Contribution of Gambling Venue Design Elements to Problem Gambling Behaviour” is noteworthy.
   
   The goal of the project was to explore patterns of problem gambling that emerge from the interaction of variation in individual temperament (chronic emotion of individuals across a variety of settings) and variation in emotional reaction engendered by different types of gambling settings themselves.
   
   The second goal of the project was to test directly the hypothesis that casino design acts to moderate psychological determinants of gambling behaviour in different sectors of gamblers.
   
   tinyurl.com/3a6m9m

6. STRIKING A BALANCE

   Third National Aboriginal Gambling Awareness Conference Winnipeg, Manitoba June 5 to 7, 2007
   
   Don Ward of the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba passed on the call for papers for the Winnipeg event. I have attended and presented at past conferences. This is an excellent opportunity to learn with First Nations people from across Canada and the International community.
   
   tinyurl.com/2ovstm

7. FBI on a Roll

   The FBI has frozen funds held in customer accounts at Neteller, the “virtual wallet” payment processor, as part of its case against the firm's two Canadian founders who were arrested in January 2007 and charged with racketeering and money laundering.
   
   The FBI claim JSL Systems, a US-based payment company received customer funds in the US for Neteller and then transferred them to accounts held by a Neteller company in Canada.
   
   tinyurlcom/3ya2a

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112th Edition: Impact on Teens, Neteller Takes Hit,
Internet Gambling in the U.S.-Current Legislation

1. Impact on Teenagers: Stakes Continue to Be High

   The Towncrier shares this series of anecdotal accounts. The narrative provides valuable perspectives on the impact of gambling with youth . . .
   
   “TJ Nathaniel, a 19-year-old former Oakwood Collegiate student, says he’s been gambling since he was about 15 or 16. He began playing poker on the Internet at 17, even though the legal age for online betting is 18. His style of poker is No-Limit Texas Hold ’Em. He used to play at least five times a week, then stopped for a short while when the site he frequented closed down. He eventually moved on to an-other one.”
   
   tinyurl.com/ysejms

2. British Treatment Guide

   Mark Griffiths is the contributing author of this guide developed for the British Medical Association. Significant sections include core definitions, support and treatment and references to Internet and remote gambling. Griffiths notes (p. 19) . . .
   
   “very recent studies using self-selected samples suggest that the prevalence of problem gambling among internet gamblers is relatively high (Griffiths & Barnes, 2005; Wood, Griffiths & Parke, in press). What is clear, however, is that online gambling has strong potential to facilitate, or even encourage, problematic gambling behaviour (Griffiths, 2003c).”
   
   tinyurl.com/yhkwjr

3. Neteller Takes Hit via U.S. Legislation

   The arrest of its founders January 15/07 on U.S. soil on money laundering charges and the company’s (Neteller) delicate position as a publicly traded British company forced it to cease handling U.S. betting transfers as of January 18, 2007.
   
   tinyurl.com/2yp5pm
   
   Senator Bill Frist and others have been unusually quiet about recent action. The October rise and passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act has led to a range of action against Neteller and other on line gambling processing firms and actual gambling sites. This response by Frist comes early in October 2006 . . . in the Baptist Press.
   
   tinyurl.com/2fktvf
   
   Larry Rutherford of Casino Gambling Web provides his take on the Frist article here . . .
   
   tinyurl.com/26bhnl
   
   PokerNews writer Stephen Noh writes on January 19/07 that the impact may not be as extreme as some observers indicate. He highlights Epassporte and Click2Pay as sites being ready to fill the breach . . . He notes concerns with each from a players perspective . . .
   
   “One frequent complaint from Epassporte users is the amount of hidden fees that they attach – for instance, their load/reload fee is $5 per $100 deposit and in order to withdraw funds, you need to purchase a $35 electron card with a $2 fee for withdrawal or do an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).”
   
   “Click2Pay offers deposit/withdrawals through credit card or bank transfer. Unlike Epassporte, Click2Pay does not charge a fee on deposits made directly from your bank account. It does, however, charge a 3% fee on deposits made using your credit/debit card.”
   
   tinyurl.com/2gko6c
   
   The murky waters of jurisprudence tells many tales. The arguments of law could make all of our heads spin . . . however Tom Jones on Casino Gambling provides several opinions on the matter . . .

   tinyurl.com/yqutz8
   
   My concern with the host of options is the dizzying pace of ‘ease’ being presented to on line gamblers. One site down, another two, three or more stepping in to address consumer ‘need’. Responsible action on the part of on line business would call for monitoring of sites for illegal fees and problem gambling behaviour. There seems little time and effort given to proactive vision on the part of those making significant profit at the expense of players, their families, employers and communities.

4. U.S. Internet Legislation . . .Winding Road

   A thumbnail of the related legislation may be helpful to clarify the current U.S. firestorm/reaction/impact.
   
   The initiatives run back perhaps 10 years. Various representatives in the U.S. congress lobby to add teeth to the 1961 Federal Wire Wager Act. Jeffrey Rodefer provides his review of the legislation . . .
   
   www.gambling-law-us.com/Federal-Laws/wire-act.htm
   
   Various initiatives and debates took place. That debate leads to H.R. 4411 The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2005 . . .
   
   www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h109-4411
   
   Various revisions and further debate leads to P.L. 109-347 The Security and Accountability For Every Port Act. The eleventh hour procedures raised concerns and many eyebrows with the passage of this bill . . .
   
   tinyurl.com/2me8w2
   
   The relevant section TITLE VIII--UNLAWFUL INTERNET GAMBLING ENFORCEMENT SEC. 801. SHORT TITLE.
   
   tinyurl.com/3da2nt

5. British Gambling Act

   The British Gambling Act 2005 may be found at the following link. It appears that being verbose is a gift shared by both American and British lawmakers. This act has 362 subsections and 18 ‘schedules’. Those schedules provide varied aspects and definitions of law. The implications are outlined, at other times, there is some latitude for interpretation.
   
   tinyurl.com/2p7jj8

111th Edition: Banff Event,

Women and Poker, CPGI Analysis

1. Conference – Add This to Your Must Attend List:
        Banff March 30 –31, 2007

   The Alberta Gaming Research Institute and the University of Calgary are co-sponsoring the sixth in a series of special interest conferences in the area of gambling research. The event provides a wealth of resources. Be sure to consider attending this key event to supplement your learning and to extend your network of contacts.
   
   This is a great opportunity noting as well that the RGCO Discovery conference is taking place in 2008. RGCO has decided to move to a two year cycle. Discovery 2008 is set for April 6-9, 2008 in Ottawa.
   
   tinyurl.com/y6uabm

2. U.S. Calendar of Events

   Drop by the National Council on Problem Gambling (U.S.) website. You will find a helpful roster of events through to June 2007.
   
   

   tinyurl.com/w2om8

3. Growing Presence: Women and Poker

   The World Series of Poker has been a prominent venue for some time. Women have been participating in larger numbers. Several winners are noted in this ‘retrospective’ of 2006 play.
   
   tinyurl.com/ygkb4x

4. Culture Counts: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

   The link that follows does not offer specific relevance to gambling. However, the impacts of gambling in various ethnocultural groups is significant.
   
   The Culture Counts Project is a provincial project in Ontario which began in October 2003. The project aims to research, identify and develop a best practices model for community education and knowledge exchange in mental health and addiction with culturally / linguistically diverse communities to ensure that programs effectively meet the needs of these communities.
   
   tinyurl.com/ymnkg2

5. Math and Gambling: By the Numbers?

   I continue to be a skeptic when gambling is presented as a teaching tool for children or adolescents. This piece presents the perspective of Professor Alastair Gillespie, chairman of the Scottish Mathematical Council. Prof. Gillespie asserts that by introducing simple gambling games into Maths lessons, children will become more engaged and will likely improve their mathematical skills.
   
   This observer believes in the value of addressing risk related behaviour to a host of curriculum in schools. However, prevention messaging must be front and centre in the process.
   
   tinyurl.com/yh82m2 

6. Secondary Analysis of CPGI Integrated Data Set

   The Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre (the Centre) is accepting proposals for secondary analysis of an integrated data set of the Canadian Problem Gambling Index. The data set incorporates data from a range of Canadian (provincial and national) and non-Canadian studies. Although not yet finalized, it is expected that the integrated set will contain a substantial number of cases, and thereby allow for more in-depth analyses than any single component. This special solicitation is intended to provide opportunity for expert analysis to illuminate new topic areas and reveal valuable information within the integrated CPGI dataset or portions thereof.
   
   The deadline for receiving proposals is January 15, 2007
   
   tinyurl.com/yczwf6

7. Promotional Site Tackles Problem Gambling

   I highlight this link in part for it’s unique placement. The pokernews site has been a vocal proponent of gambling in all forms. This piece by the so-called ‘Poker Shrink’ does shed some light on the challenges of poker and related pathological and problem gambling behaviour. Now, if they could only drop the stigma-laden moniker, (shrink) it would be a further step forward.
   
   tinyurl.com/ybvufs

    

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110th Edition: Australian Evaluation, Playmate Challenge, New Zealand Links