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	<title>WagerAndPlay.com</title>
	<link>http://www.formalpoker.com</link>
	<description>Online Gambling Industry Review Site</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Tue, 02 Aug 2011 10:43:52 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>ClubUSA Still Allowing US Players</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Living in the US and looking to still gamble online after the seizure of US player funds by the US government? Play at your own risk, but… ClubUSA Casino has no fear and they are currently accepting US players. Owned by Club World Casinos, the casino appears to be taking a stand against Black Friday by allowing US players. ClubUSA Casino runs on the ever-popular real-time gaming software platform. A small download is required, and you have access to the rich graphics and features of the program. ClubUSA offers 116 different casino games for your playing pleasure. A sign-up bonus of a 100% bonus on a deposit up to $777 is offered for playing slots. For any other available game, a sign-up bonus will match a deposit 100%, up to $150. To redeem your $777 coupon, enter the code BIGSLOT. For all other games, enter the coupon code NEW100. Other featured deals include a $5000 “crack the code” promotion, a weekly raffle, and a 20% bonus for referring a friend to the casino. Offered games can be broken down into 5 categories: Table Games such as craps and roulette Card Games including blackjack Tri Card poker, Let ‘Em Ride, Pai Gow poker, and Stud poker Slots Games range from sevens and stripes to food fight, with dozens more available Progressive Jackpots feature Crazy Dragon, Iris 3000, Light Speed, and Crisis Video Poker include Texas Hold ‘Em, Jacks or Better, and Deuces Wild US players willing to take the risk at playing an online casino should take a free look at ClubUSA and weigh their options. There is no way to currently ensure that money received from the United States will not be seized as negotiations take place in Congress over legalization. Multiple online casinos continue to operate despite the seizures of several UK poker sites. ClubUSA is one of the most popular casinos available, so give them a look if you are interested in some gambling.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.formalpoker.com/2011/07/clubusa-still-allowing-us-players/</link>
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		<title>Black Friday Affecting Legislation in the UK</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The residual effects of ‘Black Friday’ are spreading from the US toward Britain.  UK government leaders have joined the battle, although their approach is to take a piece of the pie through raising taxes. The UK Treasury is attempting to pass legislation that makes sure all online gambling operations are licensed by the Gambling Commission. Poker site Bodog has made the claim to be the first operator to receive a gaming license for remote and non-remote gambling. John Penrose, minister for tourism and heritage, says the new law will protect customers and close a loophole that allows internet-based gambling companies an unfair advantage over British companies. Penrose noted that “these proposals are an important measure to help address concerns about problem gambling and to bridge a regulatory gap by ensuring British consumers enjoy consistent standards of protection, no matter which online gambling site they visit”. The plan is to develop a system that switches away from the current organization that has sent many operators offshore, which forces non-British websites to apply for a Gambling Commission license for operation inside the UK. Leisure analyst Vaughan Lewis, who works for NYC-based Morgan Stanley, has made the point that the British government will have to watch their step. The British government cannot push through a law, just to raise more taxes. This will have the opposite effect on offshore gambling companies, who will most likely not obtain a license and ditch the UK market. There is a proposal to alter the Gambling Act of 2005 to control remote gambling, where the bets are made, not the location of the website or bookmaker. Experts think the latest development will put more pressure on Pokerstars, Full Tilt, and Absolute Poker to play by the rules. The Gambling Commission will assess “honesty and trustworthiness of all gambling applicants.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.formalpoker.com/2011/07/black-friday-affecting-legislation-in-the-uk/</link>
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		<title>EA to Buy Out PopCap</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Electronic Arts, one of the most successful video gaming companies in the world, will soon take ownership of PopCap Games. The deal is estimated to be worth over $750 million dollars, and will have the Redwood, CA electronic gaming company acquire the Seattle-based PopCap Games company to help diversify their business model. PopCap Games specializes in development of games for a variety of mobile phones, electronic tablets, computers, and social networking sites such as Facebook. They are also the creators of some of the most popular online games in the world. Electronic Arts is ready for a piece of the pie with a mighty goal of becoming a $1 billion company. The CEO for EA, Jon Riccitello has been quoted, “EA and PopCap are a compelling combination… PopCap’s great studio talent and powerful IP add to EA’s momentum and accelerate our drive toward a $1 billion digital business. EA plan to use their extensive resources to bring in employees of PopCap to have greater access to the latest software publishing and development tools. EA boasts several of the world’s largest and most technologically advanced in-house gaming studios. The plan is to reach out to the mobile digital world, while also reaching more countries and digital devices. The aspect of joining the online casino business is expected to create a completely new source of profit. PopCap agreed to the merger, with a spokesman saying, “EA has recast their culture around making great digital games, and by working with EA we have access to better development tools and larger budgets to produce more fun to the global gambling audience.” For this merger, EA will pay $650 million cash and $100 million in shares over a deal that expands into 2013. EA is excited to get into the business of online gambling, with their current focus targeting gamblers in Asia and the UK.  ﻿]]></description>
		<link>http://www.formalpoker.com/2011/07/ea-to-buy-out-popcap/</link>
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		<title>PPA Gives Legal Advice to US Poker Players Owed Funds</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Friday, July 15th is the last day for US online poker players to claim their money lost from the sites Full Tilt Poker and Absolute Poker / Ultimate Bet. The US Justice Department seized the web domains on April 15th – known as “Black Friday” – in the world of online poker. Former US players can claim their balances from the US District Court at the Southern District of New York City. Under current US law, people who are owed money that has been deemed to be “illegal funds” must file a claim for their money or it is considered a forfeiture of funds. The Poker Player’s Alliance’s team of lawyers prepared an information guide explaining how to file a claim on a simple one page document. The PPA is advising that unless a substantial sum of money was lost, then filing the civil forfeiture claim is most likely not worth the hassle. The PPA has considered all legal options, and has decided that they do not have legal authority to make a claim on behalf of American players. When filing a claim, the PPA has advised players to seek legal counsel. The cost to file a claim with a lawyer and court expenses, is the primary reason former players should not even file a claim unless they have a large amount that was seized. Players are not necessarily considered the owner of the funds in an account that is owned by a poker site even if the site is legally obligated to pay out funds to players. Even worse, if a filed claim is considered frivolous, then a civil fine up to $5,000 may be issued. Because of so many of these negative factors, unless tens of thousands of dollars were lost, the PPA recommends you just cut your losses. Filing a claim may do nothing and never even reach a judge. As of now, the PPA recommends players wait in hopes that the websites will pay account funds back to players after their trial, rather than filing claims.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.formalpoker.com/2011/07/ppa-gives-legal-advice-to-us-poker-players-owed-funds/</link>
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		<title>Bet365 Presents Live Dealer Exclusive Offer</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Popular gambling site bet365 is running a special and exclusive promotion for all Livedealer.org customers. During the promotional period, all participating members will receive a 20% rebate, up to $200 on the amount the house takes. Gamblers can take advantage of this online casino offer between July 15th and July 18th by just depositing or transferring $50 or more into their online casino account. All players who participate in the limited time offer will be receive the rebate credit on July 19th. Live Dealer offers over 150 online casino games. This special offer is a great chance to receive up to $200 worth of free chips. In addition, there are always regular specials and promotions available monthly that offer bonuses and even cash prizes. The rules for the special are simple enough. The promotion begins at exactly at midnight GMT on July 15th and ends at exactly 11:59pm GMT on July 18th. Rebates are required to be wagered a minimum of eight times before withdrawal. Any disputes are the decision of bet365 and all disputes are final. Bet365 has over five million worldwide customers, and is one of the world’s largest online gambling hubs. They employ nearly 2,000 people and are the UK’s seventh largest privately owned company. During the eGaming Review Awards, Bet365 earned the title of “Operator of the Year,” “Casino Operator of the Year,” and won an award for “Best Website Performance.” eGaming review put Bet365 as first place into their Annual Power 50 contest. Bet365 was also crowned Affiliate Programme of the Year in the 2011 iGaming Business Affiliate Awards. Bet365 and LiveDealer.org are committed to providing the very best in online casino entertainment. LiveDealer.org even boasts “live play” through high-resolution webcams to real dealers, providing a unique online gambling experience that is unrivaled by any other online casino.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.formalpoker.com/2011/07/bet365-presents-live-dealer-exclusive-offer/</link>
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		<title>UK Online Lottery to Win a Baby Criticized</title>
		<description><![CDATA[A unique and controversial “online lottery” is occurring in the UK dubbed the “Win a Baby” competition. Several medical and ethical groups are criticizing Britain from running an in-vitro fertilization lottery. Potential gamblers pay £20 for a lottery ticket that can only be purchased online. Reps for Britain’s Gambling Commission have stated that the lottery is for charity for couples who cannot conceive naturally or are struggling with fertility problems. A license was granted to a fertility charity called To Hatch and the lottery starts July 30th. The lottery is open to anyone looking to start a family, but they must first buy their £20 “charity lottery” ticket. But criticism is due as the “charity” also includes a stay in a luxury hotel, with full chauffer perks from the hotel to medical clinics and back. “Winners” will also receive new cell phones. The total estimate of winnings is estimated to be over £25,000. Britain’s fertility regulator, The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority said that is was simply wrong and immoral to offer IVF to a lottery winner. It has also been called unethical, inappropriate, and inhumane to offer IVF services through an online lottery. Another spokesman, from the campaign group, Comment on Reproductive Ethics agreed with the fertility regulators that the “creation of human life should not be reduced to a public lottery, and it demeans he whole nature of human reproduction.” The criticism has spread across Britain on online forums, comments from news sources, and several religious groups. Many are claiming that Britain has turned a part of God’s world into an online gambling lottery that is both wrong and is not a charity considering the winner gets to stay in a luxury hotel, have a personal chauffer, and win cell phones. None of those prizes have anything to do with helping someone obtain IVF. This is nothing but a disturbing mockery of human reproduction commissioned through the British Gambling Commission.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.formalpoker.com/2011/07/uk-online-lottery-to-win-a-baby-criticized/</link>
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		<title>Presidential Candidate Gary Johnson Supports Legalization of Online Poker</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Support for the legalization of online poker in the US is coming from an unlikely source. Republican presidential candidate Gary Johnson, currently governor of New Mexico, voices public support for the legalization of online poker all across the US on his website. On his website he states, “Support me for President and I’ll support your freedom. The federal government should not be involved in restricting lawful commerce that doesn’t harm anyone.” While Congress has no definite decisions in ongoing debates regarding legalization of online gambling, US poker players should be happy to know that a Presidential candidate supports their efforts to legalize online poker. Gary Johnson is known to have a few unpopular views, including his support for the legalization of prostitution and marijuana. However, support for the legalization of online gambling is gaining popularity amongst people across the US, and certainly by those who previously played poker on websites that have been shut down. Online poker legalization is no longer considered an unpopular view. Even President Obama is known to be an avid poker player. While Johnson does not have the backing to win the Presidency, he hopes his libertarian ideas and public support for online poker players may definitely have an impact on the final decision by Congress. The executive director of Poker Players Alliance (PPA), John Pappas, has stated that Johnson has genuine care about this issue, and is a down-to-earth guy who understands the people. Public support for the legalization of online poker in the US is at an all-time high. There are currently 3 bills revolving around legalization and regulation of online poker. Johnson has expressed support for any Congressional bill that would allow US poker player to once again gamble online. In the coming weeks, a final decision will be made. The legalization of online poker is up in the air, and poker players across the US are hoping for a decision in their favor.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.formalpoker.com/2011/07/presidential-candidate-gary-johnson-supports-legalization-of-online-poker/</link>
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		<title>Gamble Gang Offers Discounts to Online Casinos</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Any regular online gambler should be excited with the launch of GambleGang.com. Groupon style purchases, or group discounts, are making their way into the electronic gambling arena. Gaming vouchers for online play are growing in popularity. Starlight Networks, owner of Gamble Gang is the first company in the industry to launch services dedicated exclusively to the igaming industry. Like typical businesses that offer coupons, Gamble Gang promises to offer coupons for online casino players. The founder of Gamble Gang has been quoted as saying, “I am amazed that no one else is doing it for online casino and poker players… but here we are getting online gamblers great deals!” Gamble Gang says their purpose is to offer great deals to gamblers looking to save a little bit when joining up to do some online gambling. One special deal on the Gamble Gang website is for Red Flush Casino, which is currently offering a 200% bonus for a special Group Signup for all new players. Red Flush Casino will receive the 200% bonus on top of a normal 100% bonus. Signing up for Gamble Gang is a very simple and easy process that takes no longer than signing up for an e-mail address. By signing up at Gamble Gang, you immediately have access to deals that you might be interested in taking advantage of. And remember that registration is completely free! Gamble Gang is just developing and the number of deals is on the rise. Internet deals for igaming are expected to rise in the coming months. The internet has the ability to supply massive amounts of deals to gamblers. Group discounts are currently the hottest item right now, and remember Gamble Gang is completely free.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.formalpoker.com/2011/07/gamble-gang-offers-discounts-to-online-casinos/</link>
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		<title>Mobile Gambling Popularity Rises in the UK</title>
		<description><![CDATA[IHS Screen Digest, a US located research company has concluded that mobile gambling is the fastest growing portion of the online casino industry in the UK. With the invention of new mobile phone technology and the ease of downloading and playing games, there has been a massive influx of new players. The head of HIS Screen Digest, Ronan De Renesse said, “The full implementation of the 2005 UK Gambling Act in 2007 helped change the public perception of mobile gambling by allowing online betting sites to advertise their services on television and radio for the first time.” Advertising has obviously dramatically increased due to the Gambling Act reaching new potential players and veteran players interested in new online casinos that can be played from their phone. The mobile gambling market in the UK generated £19 million in 2009. In 2010, revenue made a huge jump to £41 million. The release of smart phones and the costs falling, has created a new avenue for online gambling fans to play anywhere at any time. 13.7% of the UK population participated in mobile online gambling in the last quarter of 2010. Today’s phone devices are also used as handheld video game systems. Anyone in the UK can now gamble at online casinos playing poker, blackjack, and bingo with their phones. The sharp rise in the number of players is attributed to consumers wanting anything on the go, gambling included. With such a large amount of people in the UK gambling with their mobile phones, the market is sure to see continuing profits and revenue. There is currently no projection of how fast the market will grow, but it has been documented that the rise of mobile gambling has risen 9.8% in the last four years. With last year’s revenue doubled from the mobile gambling market, it is obvious that there will be sustained and continuous growth in the mobile gambling market.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.formalpoker.com/2011/07/mobile-gambling-popularity-rises-in-the-uk/</link>
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		<title>Blackjack Popular in the UK, USA Cut Off</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Blackjack is one of the most popular games in the UK online casino gambling arena. Its popularity is matched only by online poker, particularly Texas Hold ‘Em. The popularity of blackjack is worldwide, including the USA, but to play blackjack in the USA you have to visit a physical casino. The internet is full of people searching for blackjack information, tips, and strategies in addition to trying their luck at some online casino. However, most information is actually aimed at US players, which is relatively pointless after the seizure of several bank accounts and online casino web domains by the US Justice Department. And so, the UK, with legal online gambling and casino play is currently flourishing in popularity. Due to legal issues, major UK online casinos have cut off all American players from playing at their tables. Blackjack gambling sites that offered information to prospective gamblers are now not interested in bringing in USA participants because they cannot gamble. Obviously this is due to the shutdown that occurred. The rise of UK casinos that did not operate with American players has risen in popularity as of late. The UK has a fully licensed and regulated system to ensure fair play across the globe. The team that created OnlineBlackJackGuru is extremely popular and recently stated that their focus is to stay away from the US market, even in play money gambling, and focus on real online gambling. The company is striving to pull in players from all across Europe, as well as Canada, and Australia. The distancing of itself from USA players is expected to remain in place until the US legalizes online gambling with full licensing and registration in the manner that the UK operates. Despite the lack of US gambling, the company still offers a comprehensive strategy section that may be of interest to US players.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.formalpoker.com/2011/07/blackjack-popular-in-the-uk-usa-cut-off/</link>
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