Online Casino News and Information

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After the recent takeover of the OnlinePlayersUnion.com, GamesandCasino.com has now taken over the well established Poker forum Freerollerz.com. Renamed to GamesandCasino-PokerForum.com, this lively Poker message board has also undergone complete reorganization to provide a better platform for Poker players around the globe.

(PRWEB) September 27, 2008 — GamesandCasino.com has always prided itself in complete and up to date information about online and offline gambling.

Additionally, it evaluates each Poker Room, Casino or Bingo Hall for player satisfaction and reputation before considering adding it to the site. Now both the OnlineplayersUnion.com and the GamesandCasino-PokerForum.com enjoy the same scrutiny.

Dominique, a well known affiliate who founded and has been heading GamesandCasino.com for over 7 years, comments:

“We have always provided game strategies and evaluated online and offline gaming establishments, but we feel players need more than that. We want to provide platforms where players can discuss the pros and cons of game strategies and the integrity of gaming establishments. It can be difficult to find out which gaming sites are trustworthy, and we have always made it our number one responsibility to screen Poker Rooms, Casinos and Bingo Halls carefully. The forums now follow the same principle, we will continue to accept advertising only from trusted online and offline gambling facilities.”

The GamesandCasino-PokerForum is a place for all Poker players, new and experienced, to discuss their experiences and learn from each other. The safety of not being exposed to advertising by unproven or disreputable Poker Rooms adds to the positive player experience in this friendly forum.

For additional information, please contact Dominique at dominique @ thegoodluckcharm.com or visit www.GamesandCasino-Pokerforum.com, www.OnlinePlayersUnion.com or www.GamesandCasino.com

About GamesandCasino.com:

Founded some 7 years ago, GamesandCasino is one of the largest and most comprehensive gaming sites on the web. It has some 1,500,000 visitors per month and experiences constant growth.

About GamesandCasino-PokerForum.com:

The new, sleek look and friendly environment of this forum attracts Poker Players, new and experienced alike. With over 5,000 members and over 71,000 posts, this message board has something for everyone.

About OnlinePlayersUnion.com:

This forum boasts almost 6,000 members and over 83,000 posts. With lots of daily activity visitors always find fresh ideas and food for thought in this welcoming community.

Congratulations to Gamesandcasinos!! Keep up the good work on keeping players informed!!

Last week, a Franklin County Circuit judge took the unusual step of ordering the transfer of 141 gambling related, internet domain names. This was part of an attempt to prevent illegal and non regulated online gambling within the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Kentucky will go down on record as being the first US state to bring such actions against a gambling operator resulting in a mass domain seizure.

The order was served on Thursday. It was a direct result of a law suit filed by the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet acting on behalf of the Commonwealth, whose aim is to prevent online gambling access to Kentucky users. If only they would pull their resources together to block true evils such as rooting out pornography rings and other unsavory sites, instead of concentrating on enforcing their communist views. This has come after the UIGEA. This law was introduced to restrict citizens of the USA from gambling online. The US government has taken many measures to remove the freedoms once enjoyed by many US residents.

I understand in certain cases, people have to be protected from themselves but online gambling is a personal choice, and affects people on an individual basis. It’s seen as an acceptable pastime for most worldwide countries. The US have unusual gun laws. They allow the sales of guns to bordering schizophrenics. Guns, if in the wrong hands, take away the freedom and lives of others. What is different about gambling online is that it takes away personal choice. Not the removal of choice to gamble, this can be done on state taxed land based sites, but the removal of choice where to spend their hard earned cash, the removal of choice on what they can and cannot access online.

The forfeiture hearing was set for 25th September by Judge Thomas Wingate, who may or may not be gun totting his way to court, after an unsavory internet browse.

The Justice Cabinet requested the court to order the domain transfers in the name of the Commonwealth. The court order will be sent to Internet registrars. The order will be put in motion pending a hearing on whether a forfeiture order is required.

Governor Steve Beshear said:

“Unlicensed, unregulated, illegal Internet gambling poses a tremendous threat to the citizens of the Commonwealth because of its ease, availability and anonymity. The owners and operators of these illegal sites prey on Kentucky citizens, including our youth, and deprive the Commonwealth of millions of dollars in revenue. It’s an underworld wrought with scams and schemes.”

US citizens have become accustomed to iron curtain restrictions, rivaled by the likes of China and Cuba. By claiming the rights of the domain names, Kentucky can put them in the position to insist online casino operators use advanced technology to block all access to their sites, accessed within the commonwealth of Kentucky.

To back the stance, Beshear said residents of Kentucky lose well over $10million to online gambling. He made no comment on lives lost due to loose gun laws, be is socially or medically. He backed his argument by claiming the resultant illegal activity had repercussions over and above the financial cost seen by the commonwealth.

Unlicensed Internet gambling competes directly with Kentucky’s thriving Horseracing Industry. Although horseracing is a form of gambling, it is taxed and regulated within the state. Kentucky wants to block outside competition even if it restricts the lives of many of their citizens. Not everyone is able bodied, not everyone can travel to the Kentucky racecourses, but that does not matter to those in power. They want to full control of their citizens lives, by doing so; they can collect their only motivational target, their peoples tax money.

Online betting prices are generally better. Forward thinking individuals believe that the internet is the future.

Believe it or not Kentucky? The internet era is already upon us. The entire world is sorry for moving with the times but Kentucky, and the US, for that matter should adapt or go back to writing sport books in hieroglyphs, on caves.

The world understands you view that the secretive and unregulated nature of online gambling can be abused, allowing underage patrons to login and bet online. Yes, we agree, this is unacceptable. What you are doing is restricting everyone. You do it under the guise of morals, but we know the real truth is that you want to restrict the liberties of your citizens, to protect your Kentucky racecourses from outside competition.

Yes, we understand that special sophisticated encryption devices can make it extremely difficult to track down online money laundering organizations, that unregulated online gaming can lead to a lack of safety to the consumer.

We also understand that you are forcing online gambling deeper below the surface. Since the introduction of the UIGEA, the self regulatory safety net, once enjoyed by Americans, is rapidly eroding away.

For a long time, Kentucky law has enforced a strong policy prohibiting unlicensed, illegal, and unregulated gambling operations. This is in place to protect government owned gambling institutions, which are top tourist attractions. Beshear also said that the Commonwealth had the experience and capabilities to bring action against illegal online gambling operators.

In chapter 528 of the KRS, there are specific mandates in place to forfeit any gambling devices. These mandates include domain names and websites, making it illegal to own, promote, advertize, conduct, or to profit/conspire to profit from any illegal gambling operation.

Secretary J. Michael Brown claimed that all site owners, when registering their domain names, agreed to terms which insist that they cannot use their domain names for any illegal operations. He went on to say that there were already online gambling operations in existence, who respected their laws enough to block Kentucky users.

He said:

“Gov. Beshear has once again demonstrated that he is willing to take bold and innovative steps to protect Kentuckians and Kentucky’s legitimate businesses. Illegal Internet gambling poses a unique threat to our Commonwealth. For individuals – particularly our youth – it is tantamount to a virtual home invasion. For some of our vital and most venerable legitimate enterprises, it undermines their exemplary regulatory compliance and siphons away their constituents. We are hopeful that once this litigation is concluded, the Commonwealth will be off limits to these illegal purveyors.”

If you want to learn the definition of an era, all you need to do is follow up the artists, activists and authors who went against it. This new era will include webmasters and online gambling writers, banks and other online financial providers.

Censorship is probably as old as civilization. Suppression is a form of control and this new ruling is just another part in American history, to restrict the freedoms of its citizens. The need to burn books is not so prevalent, nowadays the interference of internet connection is enough.

Last night, Alex Ho Kwok-hung of Hong Kong defeated an impressive field to win the 2nd World Series of Mahjong title. He outlasted the strongest ever assembled field of Mahjong players, to collect the first place prize of US$500,000 in Macau.

Hong Kong is a world force at Mahjong. Not only did Ho Kwon-Hung win the illustrious, tongue twister title of “King of Mahjong from Hong Kong”, his two countrymen filled the 2nd and 3rd place spots.

Mr. Ho Kwok-hung, the 34 year old financial adviser with AIA, used his analyst background to overcome his opponents in a fiercely fought final round, in the sweltering heat of Macau. He bravely battled off the challenges from his two countrymen, one the retired 58 year old, Tong Kam-wing, and the other Lam Ho-nam a 22 year old University of Hong Kong, history graduate. Also involved in the four way confrontation for the title was Japan’s Shigeru Aono, an entertainment industry researcher.

Ho Kwok-hung has 10 years experience playing Mahjong. The delight on his face was obvious. He explained that, not even in his wildest dreams did he think he could win against this world class field. Ho, has already made plans for his US$500,000 prize purse. A man with strong family ties, he vowed to offer his father enough money to retire from his job and pursue his own dream, possibly to build his own business or enter into the world of stock trading.

2nd placed Tong Kam-wing collected a cool US$150,000 for his efforts. His competent countryman Lam Ho-nam claimed US$80,000. The best non Hongkonger, Shigeru Aono of Japan collected a respectable US$50,000, for 4th spot.

Often, Mahjong is played within the family structure, it is seen as a social game. 2nd placer Tong Kam-wing had seven other family members playing in this spectacular event. His son Tong Kwan-ho, a 32 year old doctor completed the tournament in 28th place, and his niece Wong Ngai-yin ended in 31st. Both players finished in the money positions.

Ho Kwok-hung didn’t have it all his own way, Anno came out with all guns blazing and was leading during the first game of the final round. The following 16 hands saw lady luck shine on the eventual winner.

There are several different variations of Mahjong to choose from. Shigeru Aono said he found the Japanese version a little boring so he switched focus to Chinese Mahjong. The switch has brought him some great successes. He has produced some excellent performances, placing in many of the top events in mainland China.

The four players defeated a wealth of talent, 298 contestants appearing from 17 different countries and regions. They battled it out over 7 rounds, starting on Friday and ending last night.

Hongkongers have a powerful tradition in the game. They entered the biggest contingent of players, and filled the first three spots. The also dominated last years event filling four of the top five spots with another Hongkonger, Hui Chung-lai winning the first ever World Series of Mahjong title.

This is the world’s biggest live Mahjong event and offers the largest prize pool. You can learn to play Mahjong online at sites like Mahjongtime.com. Chris Moneymaker the poker player, won the WSOP main event in 2003, after qualifying in a $30 satellite at Pokerstars.com. He proved that building experience online can work when you move onto real live events. His poker win brought him a cool US$4million, and opened the floodgates for online poker players worldwide.

If you like Mahjong or are hoping to learn, there is no better place to pick the game up on the internet.

On 23rd September, LGS (Live Game Systems), an online gaming service provider will unveil the first ever multiple casino live dealer, offered through EIG in Barcelona.

This is new LGS product is the first of its kind anywhere in the world, and will be promoted as the first ever live dealing service to come from multiple licensed bricks and mortar casinos. This will enhance consumer trust within the online casino industry. You will also have a greater selection of games to chose from, and choice of casino to play from.

Chief Executive Officer, Michael Ryan said:

“We are very excited to showcase our new live game services at the EIG conference. This is an opportunity for the top players in the land-based and online gaming industries to see how we effectively marry the two business models in a way that is mutually beneficial, and of course profitable.”

LGS innovative new creation is set to enhance the offerings for established online casino operators. This should prove to be a great boost which will lead to a greater variety of quality games and an increase in total revenue for those involved. With this new partnership, everyone is a winner. This new move should prove to be a great revenue builder for traditional casinos who will benefit from the broadcasts taken from their casinos, to an eager online audience.

The first to games to be broadcasted live will be baccarat and roulette. One broadcast will come from Northern Cyprus, in the Malpas Casino. The other will come out of the Republic of Ireland at Fitzpatrick’s Casino, in Limerick. As this new offering picks up momentum, new casinos and games will be added by LGS on an ongoing basis.

The Director of Fitzpatrick’s Casino, Ian O’Halloran told us:

“We are delighted to be the first land based casino on the LGS Casino Broadcast Network and we look forward to extending the Fitzpatrick’s Casino live gaming experience to a massive global audience. I am confident that our relationship with LGS is the optimal and most profitable live gaming strategy available to Fitzpatrick’s Casino. The integration with our facility has been seamless and we look forward to a long and productive relationship with LGS.”

The internet gaming industry is still in its infancy and this is the next in a line of new realistic offering, to make the ultimate consumer experience a more pleasurable one.

It looks as though gambling firms within the European Union are ready to take the USA to task over the American Governments total disregard for international trading laws. Yesterday, a European industry group hinted at the possibility of filing a dispute with the WTO (World Trade Organization).

While EU officials were in Washington to delve into U.S. Justice Department enforcement actions. Lode Van Den Hende, outside counsel for the Remote Gambling Association, told to reporters:

“It looks very much as if this matter will … be sent to the WTO at the end of the commission’s investigation.”

The WTO litigation system is a very long, drawn out process and could take years, but this move would open the doors to possible European sanctions on the United States.

One EU trade official who preferred not to have his identity revealed that he believed the European Commission would come to a decision within the next few months on whether they should present a case to the WTO.

On Tuesday, the EU team got together with members of the Justice Department, U.S. Trade Representative’s office, and other involved U.S. agencies. In November, they will post a publicly available report on their recommendations.

Billions of Euros were wiped off the value of European Internet gambling companies overnight. Many people will be familiar with the UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act). This was the bright idea of certain US congressmen. It was set in motion in September 2006 to cripple the US market by blocking banks and other payment processors from making payments to online gambling sites.

Several of the big players in the industry such as the publicly traded PartyGaming and 888 closed their doors to the US market in fear of reprisals. It was more of a shareholder decision to protect them from criminal prosecution.

After studying an industry petition, the European Commission moved forward with their own formal investigation into the possibility that Washington was using their self proclaimed powers, to single out EU companies. The view is that online US companies are allowed to roam freely, building their empires while enforcement actions are being used to restrict online gambling companies, based in the EU.

This is a follow on from a previous dispute when the small Caribbean islands of Antigua and Barbuda. They fought back and challenged the US restrictions on internet gambling. They argued that the restrictions were in violation of Washington’s services market-opening commitments. These commitments were made back in 1994, the Uruguay Round world trade pact.

The US initially denied online gambling services was part of this pact. This argument failed so they changed their tune and announced that they would exercise the right to amend its commitments. This is a very unusual move under WTO rules.

As a result of the modification, the US were required to negotiate a suitable remuneration package with other affected WTO members, this includes the EU. Last year Washington agreed a deal with Brussels but as yet the details of this arrangement hasn’t been made available to the public.

When that deal was made, the US considered the case closed.

Spokesperson for the US Trade Representative’s office, Gretchen Hamel said:

“We conducted negotiations with the EU which resulted in a mutually acceptable agreement last December to facilitate the U.S. amending its (services) schedule to clarify that we do not have WTO obligations with respect to gambling,”

Before the deal was made, the US were still committed to their WTO obligations to allow online gambling. van Den Hende, said the EU are concerned that due to this private deal, the US may line them up for prosecution.

The EU see the US stance on this a very real threat. Chairperson for the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs subcommittee on Europe, Robert Wexler, a Florida Democrat hinted that the US should view the EU’s concerns seriously.

Wexler stated:

“I am increasingly concerned that if these disputes are not able to be resolved, it will likely mean costly retaliatory measures will be taken against U.S. economic interests,” Wexler said in a statement before meeting the EU delegation.

With the aim of revitalizing a faltering campaign to push for a casino in Oxford County, Maine, a Las Vegas developer has stepped forward with a $100 Million investment offer. It is now down to state voters in November, who have the opportunity to make this a reality.

Evergreen Mountain Enterprises was at the center of a legal battle over this move, causing Rumford Layer, Seth Carey to abandon the long running campaign. Las Vegas developer, Olympia Group bought over Evergreen Mountain Enterprises and vowed to press for the new casino in Maine.

Yesterday, Pat LaMarche spokesperson for the campaign and former gubernatorial candidate insisted the move would be ideal for Oxford County’s Economic growth. She accused casino critics of scare mongering and spreading misinformation about the move.

Olympia Gaming’s vice chairman, Dean Harrold suggested that people should look beyond their preconceived stereotypical views on casino gambling and focus on the positive economic outcomes. He went on to say that this new project would provide over 800 jobs. Employees’ could expect great salaries and other fringe benefits, that this investment would be a major boost to the state’s economy.

Harrold stated:

“It’s not about gaming. It’s not about resorts. That’s not what this is about. This is about jobs, this is about Maine and that’s the reason we’re here.”

Personally, I don’t believe a word of that statement. Dean Harrold is a hard nosed businessman. He is out to make money, plain and simple, but I do believe that the $100 Million investment would be a massive boost to the local economy. Not only would it bring 800 people good paying jobs but it would also have a ripple effect due to the increased disposable income.

In times of recession, we cannot turn away those sorts of opportunities. If you put it in Economics101 terms, local shopkeepers will see an increase in sales. This will produce more jobs. This proposed investment could reach out far beyond the gaming sector.

Carey’s departure looked as though it put the final nails in the coffin. Olympia’s late intervention has rejuvenated hope.

Olympia has already established a casino in Carson City, Nevada. They are deeply involved in three other ongoing casino projects. They are a very powerful, forward thinking company and currently possess a planning permit which will allow them to develop a further five casinos in the state of Nevada.

Harrold, a former president and chief operating officer at the famous Caesar’s Palace stated:

“We’re known for getting it right and doing it right, and I assure you this, that when we come to Maine, we’ll do it right here.”

He went on to say:

“Carey will remain a minority investor in the casino project but has no say in Olympia’s decision making.”

As yet, Olympia have not come to an agreement over the location for the proposed casino. Their aim is to finalize the proposed site before the general elections on November 4th. They intend to include both table games and slot machines.

In 2003, Mainers were dead set against the idea of a state of the art casino within their boundaries. “Casinos NO!” organizer, Dennis Bailey still assumes the local feeling is the same as 2003 when they point blank rejected a tribal-backed casino in Sanford. He is on the assumption that the only real economic winners of this plan would be its Nevada based owners.

Mr Bailey said:

“The Oxford County casino proposal was sold to Maine voters and the petition signers as a Maine-owned and operated casino. Now, less than two months before the election we are told that the real owners are a Las Vegas outfit whose only interest is taking money from Maine people to fill their vault in Nevada.”

Bailey is also concerned about the current referendum’s wording, noting that as it stands, the legal age for gamblers in the state of Maine would be reduced from 21 to 18. Although Harrold claimed he was against the idea of lowering the legal gambling age, it was too late to make any amendments to the referendum.

LaMarche was more forthcoming with her opinion, stating:

“You will hear the doom and gloom and that the world’s coming to an end if Question 2 passes. And just like every other time they’ve told you this, it will be a lie,”

Harrold and LaMarche indicated that Mariners would vote in the interest of their local economy. They pointed out that Mariners visited the Mohegan Sun and Foxwood Casinos over 271,000 times in the past year. In the last three years they have spend in the region of $100 million, in these two casinos alone. This means that Connecticut have benefited from the $13.4 million in tax money Mariners have donated at these two out-of-state casinos.

LaMarche said that gambling was already a widespread phenomenon within the borders of Maine, including places like Bangor, where Hollywood Slots already facilitates slot machine play. She insisted that it would be crazy for Mariners to pass up the opportunity to reap the benefits of a casino in their own state.

LaMarche went on to state:

“Every other type of gaming is already here. And you know what? Maine is still a really wonderful place to live.”

I don’t think LaMarche or Harrold care about how the new casino will affect the lives of those based in Maine. I do believe however, if the project gets the green light, it will be mutually beneficial.

Today, the House Financial Services Committee reviewed and approved Barney Frank’s second version of his Payments System Protection Act. It was voted through by a 30-19 vote. The bill was initially discussed and verbally voted through. Spencer Bachus, a Republican Congressman then stood up and requested a formal roll call vote at 5.00PM ET. This paved the way for the bill to pass through with ease. This new groundbreaking development in the UIGEA saga may now be transferred onto the floor of the House of Representatives.

HR 6870 was the fourth of five measures being discussed today. It followed a lengthy and strenuous discussion over the HR 6694 bill, known as the FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform and Risk-Based Pricing Authorization Act of 2008, which also passed through with two amendments’ made to the original bill. Congressman Frank commenced the discussion of the HR 6870 bill which will neuter every regulation passed under the UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act) from being enforced, except for those relating to sportsbooks.

This bill also insists that the Federal Reserve and US Treasury team up with the Attorney General’s office to come to an agreement on what is, and is not legal, within the realms of the UIGEA. This will put an end to most of the grey areas surrounding the UIGEA. This upbeat bill for the online gaming industry was first introduced on Thursday, September 11th; co sponsored by Peter King,  a Republican Congressman.

During the session, Congressman Frank Stated:

“We made some changes to [HR 5767] to try to get a majority of the votes as well as a broader agreement. First, it had always been our intention to allow pro sports leagues to opt out. They asked to be opted out of the bill and we’ve done that. The bill will protect sports from being included. It also asks that a list be prepared by the Treasury of what is and isn’t acceptable. You have a right to know what the law is and this would give people the right to know what is and isn’t covered under the UIGEA.”

Bachus opposed the new move, stating that although he understood  the UIGEA put a heavy burden on banks and other financial institutions due to its vagueness,  he followed it up by stating:

“Online gamblers can play 24 hours per day from home. Children can play without proper age verification. Betting with a credit card can distort a player’s [respect for] cash. Before the act, Americans were sending $6 billion per year to offshore online casinos, nearly half of the $12 billion sent annually. Since the Act, big players in the industry such as PartyGaming have pulled out of the market. Federal regulations restricting the transfer of funds have had their intended effects. We shouldn’t stop now.”

Barney Frank also included A Manager’s Amendment which called for all professional sports leagues to gain a special exemption to the bill. He also requested they be removed from the “blacklist”, Michael Waxman a spokesperson for the Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative refers to. Frank called for a clear understanding as to what is, and what is not accepted under UIGEA regulation. Bachus also indicated that professional sports leagues opposed the HR 6870 but this passed by with little discussion.

Congressman Peter King and William Lacy Clay completed the discussion on Barney Frank’s Online Gambling Legislation. The amendment was initially passed on a verbal voting majority. Bachus then stood up and requested a formal recorded roll call vote. Due to the absence of several Committee members, the FSC (Financial Services Committee) had no option but to reconvene. At 5.00pm ET, this remarkable new development attacking the legitimacy of the UIGEA within the gaming industry was passed through with a majority of 30-19. Members generally stayed within party lines, the Democrats voting for, the Republicans voting against the bill.

The HR 6870 Bill is now likely to be passed on for discussion on the House floor, even though the planned adjournment date for congress is Friday, 26th September. The recess gives members the opportunity to campaign for the forthcoming US general election, on 4th November.

The success of the hit TV show Casino, has created interest in Mahjong throughout Asia. The show teaches you the basic game rules. You will be guided through the steps during real game play. The game is played, pitting the  hosts against the guests. If any guest happens to win 5 continuous sets, they will receive a prize of 500,000 NT dollars.

The Much-TV show revitalized Mahjong and has made the game fashionable within Taiwanese communities. It is not unknown for Taiwanese families to invite their friends over for the weekend to play Mahjong, much like the poker home game in the US. In many family structures, the game has taken central spot in the social calendar. The online version of Mahjong can now be played at Mahjongtime.com

This year, the 2nd annual World Series of Mahjong will be held in Wynn Macau. It starts this Friday, 19th September 2008, and is scheduled to be completed on Sunday, 21st September. Currently, there are over 300 players registered, arriving from a wide range of countries including China, Taiwan, USA, Canada, UK, Japan and Australia. We have no clear favorite for the event. Mahjong is a game of skill and you can be assured of a fiercely competitive battle.

Last year, the first ever World Mahjong Series was won by Hong Kong born, Hui Chung-Lai. He took home a cool 4 million Hong Kong dollars, and was given the title “King of Mahjong” in his own country. Chung-Loi is no flash in the pan, he has over 50 years Mahjong game play under his belt. His regular playing partners and close friends regard him as a great teacher, and an authority on Mahjong.Last years runner up Lisa Lau Lai-fun collected 1.17 million Hong Kong dollars. As a child she watched how her parents played the game. Her observations skills have brought her a long way. Inspired by her parents, she developed a lifelong love affair with the game. This year, she will be joined with her son who is continuing the family tradition. Lisa is aiming to go one better this year after spending the past year analyzing the World Series of Mahjong Rules.

Another Hong Kong player Tse Chi-Chung will also be there. An accountant with 20 years Mahjong experience, he will be a force to be reckoned with. Accompanying him will be his playing partners and close friends. They have spent the past year sharpening up their skills and strategy, all geared towards this years event.

Several influential names have been officially invited to this 2nd annual event. These big names include Ross Lai, the Public Relations Association of Hong Kong Chairperson. He has 30 years experience playing Mahjong. He views Mahjong as one of Chinas greatest cultural assets. He has spent the last 25 years researching and analyzing Mahjong clubs in Hong Kong. His focus is on customer service and game development. He is deeply passionate about the game and admires other who have respect for it.

The founder of “Steela & Steelo” the Hong Kong accessory brand, Angelina Chan has also been invited along for the ride. She received the “Hong Kong Best Brand” award from Capital Magazine for developing unique stainless steel products using joyful childhood style colors. Her brand is recognized worldwide. She is no stranger to Mahjong with over 20 year’s game experience. She is competitive by nature and this has carried her far at the tables.

On the invite list is another Hong Kong player, Antony Chum. He is an architecture computer aid design consultant who has previous experience competing for his country in various events, including the “Hong Kong Mountain Bike Race”, the “Asia Miles Action Asia Challenge”, and the “Motorola Action Asia Hong Kong Off Road Triathlon Race”. He is used to international competitions and believes that background will provide an edge to his game. He has been studying the World Series Rules vigorously.  His 10 years of game experience and mental toughness puts him in contention for this year’s title.

Canadian Jim Kwong, winner of the second-annual Mahjong Charity Open held in Canada’s River Rock Casino Resort has 30 years of Mahjong knowledge to take to the table. He has devoted his life to charity, a key figure at his local cancer-prevention associations’; he is responsible for a variety of different fundraising projects. Before migrating to Vancouver, he was a regular Mahjong player in Hong Kong. He is a little nervous about the 4 day event and hopes to find a little luck to carry him through to the title.

US born Jenn Barr, now based in Japan has been on the Mahjong scene for the past four years. She joined Japan’s Professional Mahjong League as a primary member and has now established herself as an authority in the game. Through her website ReachMahjong.com, she provides up to the minute news on Mahjong. She was a little disappointed with last years 114th place in the events. This year, she has been developing a deeper understanding of the game. She has made Mahjong part of her life and is employed as a rules consultant for the inaugural Riichi European Championship (EMA Riichi Rules).

Another Japanese based professional Mahjong player is Garth Nelson. He was born in the US but soon caught the Mahjong bug when he migrated to Japan 10 years ago. His favorite hand is the concealed triples. He has formed a close friendship with counterpart, Jenn Barr, joining the Japan Professional Mahjong League in the same year. Last year he broke through, climbing his way into the JPML Champions League Best 16 and finished with individual and team titles. This year Garth finished 7th in the Riichi European Championship. Many people will know Garth from Konami’s Mahjong Fight Club video game.

Australian Donald Wong began his Mahjong education at the tender age of 12. Introduced to the game by his grandmother, he competed with his cousins after school, gradually developing a multitude of skills and techniques. Donald considers Mahjong as a sport and is a strong believer in good sportsmanship; he still plays regularly with old school and workmates. He now has a network of competitive friends throughout Sydney.

Danish born Niels Hansen had a great run in last years event, finishing 6th, making it to the final day of the competition. He has lived in Asia for the past 30 years and currently works as a CEO of a top container terminal company. He first learned of Mahjong on his travels to Taiwan back in 1979. He is under no illusion over the difficulty of the task that lies ahead of him this year. He hopes lady luck will take a shining to him to take him beyond the strongest Mahjong field ever assembled.

UK based Manlee Wan has a Poker background. He has studied psychology, economics and poker probability from and early age, competing in several professional poker tournaments worldwide. His win rate at the poker tables is an impressive $230 per hour. He is taking a mathematical approach to Mahjong but is also using his vast knowledge of psychology to psyche out the opposition. He believes that poker and Mahjong are closely related and is expecting to place in the money at this years event.

Sung Ping of China has 10 years of playing experience, competing in district and international events. She has won multiple Chinese National Mahjong titles. She was headhunted in 2006 to be the spokesperson for a mahjong program at CCTV. Her knowledge of mahjong theory and live tournament experience is unquestionable. Her role was to share her game experience and answer questions on the game. She was pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming response from her TV viewers. Last year, she made it through to the last 32 of the event, proving herself as one of the true Mahjong masters, beating Taiwanese Star Nei Ge and finishing in a respectable 17th. She is looking forward to this year’s world event, meeting players from a multitude of backgrounds and pitting her wits against the best players the game has to offer.

Taiwan are represented by TV celebrities Pan Hui-Ru and Hsu Nai Lin (Nei Ge). Both are hosts in the ultra popular MUCH-TV show, Casino. They have a wealth of experience between them. Last year, Nei Ge finished 20th in the event, eventually losing to Sung Ping of China. This year expect to see firework’s if both players meet at the tables. Pan Hui-Ru is disappointed at missing last year’s event. She is from a famous Taiwan girls group. She is eagerly anticipating this year’s competition and can be considered a dark horse for the title.

Four other tough Taiwan stars are competing in this year’s event. They qualified their way to the tournament by defeating strong competition during MUCH-TV’s, World Series of Mahjong Taiwan Celebrity Game. They are bringing a little extra glamour to the tables. Hot female Mahjong stars Zhang Ben Yu and Kung Ming Jie will be in attendance, along with a familiar face and regular male lead in many popular TV dramas, Chen Guan Lin. Zhao Hong Gao a member of Taiwanese girl group, Seven Flowers, will also be there to prove her ability at the Mahjong tables.

One of Taiwan’s big guns Yu Xiao-Ping will be there, hoping to improve on her 3rd runners up spot. She is known as the “Taiwanese Mahjong Diva”, and had been the centre of media attention for the upcoming event. She was asked to be this years World Series of Mahjong spokesperson for Mahjong Taiwan Qualifying Tour. Her parents are Taiwanese Stars Li Ya-Ping and Yu Tian. She was taught to play Mahjong by her grandmother. This year will be a bit of a family affair. She, her mother and grandmother will be fighting it out at the tables. With three generations of Mahjong experience in the family, this year’s event is set to be an exciting one. Yu, will have in her possession two powerful traditional Chinese mythical creatures. She hopes these good luck charms will pave her way to glory at this weekend’s 2nd annual World Series of Mahjong Championships.

World Mahjong Limited launched the World Series of Mahjong in 2006. Players from all corners of the globe will be competing for the US $1.0 million first place prize purse, and a dream World Mahjong Title. Who will be this year’s winner? It’s so difficult to predict.

On Thursday, Congressman Barney Frank proposed a new online gambling bill, the HR 6870. The bill is scheduled to be recommended tomorrow, Tuesday 16th September 2008 to the House Financial Services Committee. One of five proposals to enter room 2128 of the Rayburn House Office Building, at 1:00pm ET, in Washington, D.C., the HR 6870 offers online gamblers a glimmer of hope.

Most people know of the UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act), the vague law proposed by self serving US politicians, to restrict US resident’s freedom to gamble online. Their main route of attack was to bully payment processors into withdrawing their services to players online, not to mention gaming sites.

This new bill HR 6870, which will be known as the Payment Systems Protection Act of 2008 blocks the US Treasury or Federal Reserve from legally enforcing any UIGEA regulation…

“To the extent as any such regulation pertains to wagering of the type that is prohibited under chapter 178 of title 28, United States Code (relating to professional and amateur sports protection).”

In layman’s terms, the UIGEA would be invalidated in relation to all forms of online gambling except sportsbook betting. There is a buzz of anticipation over this news in the online poker forums. For poker players, this new bill, if implemented could see the end to a disastrous two years of uncertainty over the legality of online poker, brought about by a minority of venomous illogical, US congressmen.

If the current regulations are suspended, the HR 6870 will then go on to call for an administrative law judge, to oversee the Treasury and Federal Reserve. They will knock heads to develop and implement newer and clearer regulations. This bill insists that the new guidelines must include a complete definition to the term, “Unlawful Internet Gambling.” A complete economic impact study of these proposed regulations will also be put into motion.

This new, possibly groundbreaking bill was officially introduced by Peter King, A Republican Congressman from New York, on the 11th September. The UIGEA has become a bit of a political slugfest. The US government stepped in; they have bullied anyone who stood by the WTO (World Trade Organization) official ruling. The public did not want their interference on this matter. They have not taken into account public opinion, or international rulings, but now we must sit back and hope they find a solution to the problem they introduced.

Now that the US government have got their claws in, I cannot see them slithering back out. In my opinion, their interference was nothing to do with protecting their citizens, from the evils of gambling. Their aim was not to protect their own voters from rogue casinos. Their plot was plain and simple, to extract tax money from a thriving international online industry. Al Capone’s choice of weapon may have been a baseball bat. The US Governments went down the accountants’ road. The results are the same, extortion.

Spokesperson for the SSIGI (Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative), Michael Waxman stated:

“There seems to be a general consensus that a solution is needed now. I believe that’s the reason why Congressman Frank is continuing to push this issue. He has a sense of what the financial services sector can bear. He wants to make sure that they are not charged with enforcing the UIGEA on their own.”

Barney Frank has been the frontman behind the legalization of online gambling within the US borders. He is relentless in his aim to fight for online gaming freedom. With help from congressman, Ron Paul, he introduced the initial version of the Payments System Protection Act, in April. The bill failed to make it through the house that time. Frank also put forward the HR 2046, known as the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act, which puts in place a concise framework to license and regulate online gambling within the US. That bill was introduced in April 2007 in response to the UIGEA, seven months earlier.

Barney Frank’s dogged perseverance has ensured the pressure has been kept on; Congressman Pete Sessions has also joined the movement. His bill, the HR 6663, interprets the UIGEA to exclude online poker. His view is that it can only be enforced against online sportsbooks. This bill was met by disproval from another of the industry’s main lobbying groups, the (PPA) Poker Players Alliance. The PPA’s view is that online poker has always been legal, that there is no case to answer.

Tomorrow is D-Day for the HR 6870. During the mark up process, amendments may be added as required. If the bill meets the committee’s approval, it will be taken to the vote by the U.S. House of Representatives. There is only a matter of weeks left before the Congress adjourns for the general elections. All we can do in the meantime is keep our fingers crossed and wait.

I believe where the money goes, so must politician. I also believe, in reference to the WTO ruling, that each country, including the US should respect international guidelines. Other countries have introduced, unobtrusive safety guidelines regarding online gambling. In that respect, the US appears to be a backward nation.

I am happy reading the fun laws that made US such a great nation. In Florida, unmarried women who parachute on Sundays can be jailed. In Alabama it is illegal to wear a fake mustache in church and cause “unseemly laughter.” In Washington D.C., it is illegal for small boys to throw stones & there is no bigger stone than the UIGEA. In the city of York, it is legal to murder a Scotsman within the ancient city walls, unless he is carrying a bow and arrow.

All joking aside, I hope this Bill goes through. The industry is in dire need of clarity. Online gamers are in need of regulated safety nets. Either way, it will be a relief if we win this battle. I will be thankful if the US Congress can talk their way out of this mess. I won’t be overly thankful because  their meddling caused this mess. Eventually the US Government will get a slice of the pie and back out from the silly, unenforceable law but I hope people see them for what they are, bullies!

In an innovative attempt to attract gamblers to its Valley Centre, the Pauma Tribe of North County, California, are now offering online casino games.

State regulators are still deliberating whether the games are legal. A gambling watchdog group has also stepped forward to state that the games have no proper licensing.

Last month, the Pauma Band of Mission Indians, opened a virtual casino on their website. The games include video slot machines, card and table games. This is the first venture of its kind in the area. Players can gamble for fun or to win credits which can be redeemed at the tribes live casino. They have teamed up with GameLogic, the Boston based company to provide the online service. Now here is the twist, as long as there is no money changing hands, how can it be considered illegal?

Nelson Rose, a gambling law professor at Whittier Law School in Costa Mesa believes the tribe is offering a perfectly legal form of enjoyment.

He stated:

“If you can’t lose, it’s not gambling.”

The US is the home of confusion over anything gaming related. It’s a very sensitive issue. State gaming officials are not quite as sure of the legality as professor Rose.

One spokeswoman for the California attorney general’s office claimed that they were unaware of the Pauma’s Tribes’ online gaming venture. The attorney general’s office enforces the state’s gambling regulations.

The state is now taking a keen interest in the Website. They are looking into the possibility that the games may be in direct violation of the terms of a gambling agreement signed by the gaming tribes.  Under this agreement, tribes are unable to offer any form of gambling beyond their reservations. Not only is there a question mark over the legality of Pauma’s online virtual casino games, but the state is also looking into an issue over proper licensing.

GameLogic, Pauma’s partner, submitted an application for a vendor’s license. This was confirmed by Anna Carr, spokesperson for the state Gambling Control Commission. Any company that sells games to the tribes must be state licensed.
Carr said that the GameLogic license was still being processed. To be approved, the company must go through stringent background checks.

Executive director, Cheryl Schmit of Stand Up, a gambling watchdog group, felt that the method used to present the games online was legal but the Pauma Tribe was still in breach of their agreement, until their receive confirmation of the state approved license. She said that the games should have remained unavailable to the public.

Schmit stated:

 ”They would need to be vetted by the Bureau of Gambling Control (under the attorney general’s office) and approved by the Gambling Control Commission before they begin to play the game.”

There was a similar case back in 2006 when the NIGC (National Indian Gaming Commission), a federal agency which oversees tribal gambling, took the view that similar games offered by GameLogic were legal because “no gambling is done over the Internet, nor does any money change hands that way.”

One spokesperson for the group claimed that the games offered are of legal standing, they have already been approved, and already given the green light in several other states.
Joseph Guiste, the marketing director of Pauma’s Casino, said that the online move was nothing more than a marketing ploy. Their only aim was to advertise the Casino through the games.

Guiste claimed:
“It’s really just a way for people to get involved and interact with us. People who play online play for longer periods of time at the casino.”

The tribe have big future plans for their casino which includes a $300 million expansion. They have set out the blueprint for a 19 story hotel, and a further 2500 slot machines. The reservation is roughly 20 miles north of Escondido. They have the backing of their partners, the Mashantucket Pequots’ Foxwoods Development Co.

Professor Nelson Rose, agreed that their new online games were a superb way to promote brand loyalty. He thought it was a great marketing ploy to give the players at the online casino a reason to return to the tribe’s live casino.

The reason? To redeem the credits they won online.

Players can pick up special cards at the casino. They can use these cards to play for points. They can use the points when they return to the casino, and use the credits to play on the gambling floor.

Most people are familiar with shopping discount points. This system is very similar. The card keeps a track of consumer spending habits. It is an efficient method to use when deciding on what to concentrate on, and where to allocate their marketing efforts. The consumers are rewarded by receiving discounts.

Professor Nelson Rose, said:

“The funny thing is that these promotions work. I think it’s very smart business.”

The Pauma Tribe is only taking advantage of legitimate marketing methods. They could use this new online casino to build a more loyal player base. If online gambling laws are slackened, they will also have the foundations in place to build a successful online gambling business.

Rose also said that a bill introduced earlier this year to the state Legislature has made it possible for tribal governments and gambling establishments to offer internet poker.

“A bill introduced in the state Legislature earlier this year would have paved the way for gambling establishments and tribal governments to operate poker games on the Internet.”

The state gambling regulators were asked in the Assembly Bill 2026, by Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, D-Los Angeles, to investigate what regulations would need to be put in place to legalize online poker. The bill was amended in August. The subject matter was changed to outdoor advertising.
Suzanne Graupner Pike, a problem gambling counselor, said that it was irrelevant whether gambling was legal or not. That the games still posed a risk. Her view was that the games would only encourage and promote addicting gambling habits due to the 24/7 availability of the internet.

Pike said:

“Online gambling is very addictive. This is scary.”

Pike was also worried that children may also gain access to the games in fun mode. She felt that there are not enough restrictions in place. That anyone could play.

Guiste responded by saying that the casino does not endorse gambling in any form to minors. They also included a problem gamblers hotline to protect visitors, who visit their website.

Last year, the state released a study which indicated there could be as many as 1.2million compulsive gamblers in California, alone. In a 2006 report by the California Research Bureau, it was estimated that problem and pathological gambling costs the state $1 billion. Taken into account are costs relating to bankruptancy, crime and public health services.

People with gambling problems or who know individuals with gambling problems are advised to call the Problem Gambling Help Line, (800) 426-2537, or visit www.problemgambling.ca.gov.