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February 05, 2007
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has ruled against the US in an intense dispute over online gambling with the Caribbean island of Antigua and Barbuda. The organisation is expected to find the US guilty of breaking international trade rules.
Though the ruling has not been made public, sources indicate that the WTO has found the US guilty of not observing a 2005 order in the case. Antigua and Barbuda had built up a lucrative online gambling industry to compensate for falling tourist revenue and took the US to the WTO over entry to the American gaming market.
The WTO’s dispute resolution panel found in Antigua's favour in 2003. It agreed that foreign bookmakers appeared to face prejudice in relation to the issue of horse race betting across state lines. It then largely rejected an appeal by the US in 2005. The WTO has now concluded that the US has not made adequate attempts to adhere to that decision.
The WTO has provided both sides with an initial report on its findings. Both parties can submit additional comments before a final report is published in March.
 February 02, 2007
Our group of programmers and group of designers are glad to show our next developed product. It’s game – Caribbean Poker. Originated on Caribbean islands, this poker version was to become the first table game to offer the progressive jackpot. The game resembles BlackJack due to its fast pace while offering even higher stakes. Large wins attract many, though some certain skills are required to take advantage of the enhanced betting rules.
January 30, 2007
ePassporte.com remains a viable e-wallet service for U.S. Internet poker players, although new customers can expect some significant delays when trying to establish a functional account.
The service is one of the few financial processors remaining for online gamblers in the U.S. NETeller, Citadel, INSTAdebit and InstaCash all left the U.S. market following the arrests of NETeller co-founders Stephen Lawrence and John LeFebvre by U.S. authorities.
Click2Pay, one of the largest online gaming processors, still accepts American transactions, but does not allow players from the U.S. to open new accounts.
January 22, 2007
The sudden and abrupt ban on US players by Neteller last week has not just discomforted jailed former executives, investors and American online gamblers; there is indignation north of the American border as well.
Calgary regional media report that the sudden decision to shut off over 65 percent of the company’s business by banning US players could be about to have a ripple effect in Calgary where Isle of Man registered Neteller operates a call centre with more than 700 employees. More than 300 of those workers operate telephone Support for mainly US clientele
Some employees in the Calgary branch are reportedly concerned that business will take a hit. Several workers at Neteller’s northeast office told the local newspaper The Herald that they were bracing for layoffs, and some said there had already been more than two dozen people let go in recent weeks.
The employees asked that their identities not be published, as they were under strict orders by management to not speak with the media. Inside the call centre, employees enjoyed a catered lunch, reports The Herald. "I think it's to make us feel better," one woman said.
Beyond Lefebvre and Lawrence, Neteller has several Calgary connections within its board of directors. According to Neteller.com, Gordon Herman was appointed chief operating officer of the Group in September 2002. He has since stepped down, but remains chairman of the board. Herman was previously a managing director of Chell.com, a Calgary-based application services provider, and reportedly cashed in Cdn$24.6 million of his shares in 2005.
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