Archive for
March, 2008
March 31st, 2008
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Mar 7, 2008 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) — Century Casinos, Inc. (Nasdaq: CNTY; VSE) announced today that its Century Casino & Hotel in Edmonton, Canada, will host the St. Patrick’s Day Poker Tournament from March 10 - 15, 2008.
The format is a six-day Texas Hold’ Em tournament. Play starts daily at 7:30 PM with the top ten of each day advancing to the finals on March 15 at 2:00 PM.
For further information about the tournament schedule and rules, including price structure and levels, as well as for registration for the tournament, please visit: http://www.cnty.com/casinos/edmonton/casino/players-club/.
A live concert by two popular bands, Harlequin and Prism, will also take place at the 400-seat Century Showroom on March 15, the day of the Poker Tournament finals. This will be followed by concerts of April Wine on March 20 and Ian Mitchell’s Bay City Rollers on March 21. Alannah Myles, a true Canadian rock icon, will perform live on April 5.
Century Casinos, Inc. is an international casino entertainment company that owns and operates the Womacks Casino and Hotel in Cripple Creek, Colorado, the Century Casino & Hotel in Central City, Colorado, the Century Casino & Hotel in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and the Century Casino Millennium in the Marriott Hotel in Prague, Czech Republic. The Company also operates casinos aboard the Silver Cloud, The World of ResidenSea, and the vessels of Oceania Cruises. Through its subsidiary Century Casinos Africa (Pty) Limited, it owns and operates The Caledon Hotel, Spa & Casino near Cape Town, South Africa, as well as 60% of, and provides technical casino services to, Century Casino Newcastle, in Newcastle, South Africa. Furthermore, the Company’s Austrian subsidiary, Century Casinos Europe GmbH, holds a 33.3% ownership interest in Casinos Poland Ltd, the owner and operator of seven full casinos and one slot casino in Poland. The Company continues to pursue other international projects in various stages of development.
For more information about Century Casinos, visit our website at http://www.centurycasinos.com. Century Casinos’ common stock trades on The NASDAQ Capital Market(R: 60.56, -0.27, -0.44%) and the Vienna Stock Exchange under the symbol CNTY.
This release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of the management of Century Casinos based on information currently available to management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, among others, the risks described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” under Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2007. Century Casinos disclaims any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by it or on its behalf.
SOURCE: Century Casinos, Inc.
March 24th, 2008
Yahoo Canada reports:
TORONTO (CBC) - A slot machine at an Ontario casino spilled enough on Easter weekend to build a mighty hefty nest egg for lucky Toronto-area woman.
Anna Falco, 53, of Woodbridge, Ont., won a record jackpot of $8,920,622.89 Saturday night while playing the slots at Casino Rama near Orillia, Ont., said a news release from the casino.
That shattered by more than $3 million the previous slot jackpot record of $5.8 million won by Toronto tax accountant Nick Hulst at the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort in October 2004.
Falco, who is married and has two daughters, had been playing a Megabucks progressive wide slot machine for about an hour before hitting the jackpot, the release said.
She said she and her husband Franco plan to share the winnings with their family and friends.
The jackpot that Falco took home could potentially have been taken by a patron at any of 11 casinos in Ontario that are linked to it. The jackpot starts at $1 million and climbs until a customer at one of the casinos hits the winning combination.
March 23rd, 2008
The Canadian government announced this week it was considering a move to restrict banks and credit card companies from conducting financial transactions with Internet gaming operators in the country, much like what the U.S. attempted to accomplish with the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) that was introduced in October, 2006.
But if history has anything to do with it, the days of regulated Internet gambling in Canada are not so far off in the distant future, says Michael Lipton, a gaming law expert and the senior partner at Elkind & Lipton in Toronto.
“History demonstrates that over the past 50 or 60 years the trend in [Canada] is to regulate, not prohibit,” says Lipton. “It happened with horse racing about five years ago. It happened with land-based casinos in 1969 and then it happened again about seven years ago when those casinos were allowed to start offering craps so they could compete with the border casinos.
“If the public wants something regulated, and the regulation benefits the country, it usually happens.”
Nearly 500 Internet gaming sites hold a permit issued by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, which is based in the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory near Montreal. The Commission, which was established in 1996, claims that it is empowered to regulate and control gaming and related activities within and from its territory since it is a sovereign nation.
But according to Lipton, the Kahnawake isn’t sovereign, but it is protected by Section 35 of the constitution that says the government must recognize and respect traditions and customs that are integral to their culture. Whether or not gaming would fall under that category is up for debate, but Lipton does not envision a scenario where the government would test it by moving into Kahnawake territory.
“Practically speaking, I don’t think the government is looking to move on this because it could lead to violence,” Lipton said.
He added that the latest talk chatter about the government looking to consider new measures against the Internet gaming sites stems from the urging of the Woodbine Entertainment Group.
“This is all about Woodbine trying to protect their monopoly,” said Lipton, who added that Woodbine was also the force behind a bill a few years ago that attempted, but failed, to ban all online gaming sites from advertising in Canada. “Woodbine’s argument is that these sites are hurting their business but I don’t follow that logic. Are they trying to say that if Internet gambling is shut down, all of a sudden people are going to flood the race track to bet the horses? That just doesn’t make sense.”
In Lipton’s mind, what the issue boils down to is doing what the public wants and what’s most beneficial to the country as a whole.
“From all of the information that I’ve seen, I don’t see any hue and cry from the public about banning Internet gaming,” he said. “I think the public would like to regulate. And the Kahnawake would be absolutely delighted. It would also give the gaming software industry that is so big here a huge boost.
“There are 85 countries worldwide that have regulated online gaming. Maybe it’s Canada’s time to do the same.”
Source: http://online.casinocity.com/news
March 23rd, 2008
SportingBet.com launched its new sports betting website, ca.sportingbet.com, which will allow the UK-based company to offer its premium service to the ever-expanding Canadian sports betting market.
The expansion into Canada is just another component of SportingBet’s aggressive expansion plan, which has seen growth into other sports betting hotbeds.
With the development of the new website, the Canadian bettor is provided with a strong, viable wagering option outside of the unregulated offshore industry or having to travel to Las Vegas.
“We are very excited about entering the Canadian sports betting market,” says Gary Lewis, head of Canadian Operations. “We are committed to offering Canadian customers more of what they want to see whether it’s more sports, more odds, more products or more promotions. Our dedicated Canadian team is there to ensure this commitment becomes a reality.”
Lewis says that getting into the burgeoning Canadian sports betting market is a key component to its overall expansion plans, which includes the further development of a product specifically tailored for this group of bettors.
“Canadian people want a safe, secure and trustworthy sports book where they know their money is safe. We have been bringing this to our customers from all over the world since 1998,” says Lewis of SportingBet. “Our customers appreciate the transparency and clarity of our financial dealings. It makes sense to offer this to Canadians too.”
With its extensive bookmaking background, and strong technical and financial platforms, SportingBet should quickly gain recognition from the Canadian sports bettor.
SportingBet currently takes wagers on 22 sports from the top leagues and events from around the globe. But closer to home, SportingBet offers a myriad of wagers, including the In-Play wagering option, which allows Canadian bettors to wager on their favorite NHL and NBA games while the game is in progress. Major League Baseball and the Canadian Football League will be added when both leagues start up at the end of March and June respectively.
SportingBet, with more than four million registered customers, offers a wide range of betting and gaming products from poker and sports betting to casino and games such as backgammon.
Operating out of regulated and licensed markets since 1998, SportingBet has been listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange since 2001. SportingBet is licensed and regulated by the Alderney Gambling Commission in the Channel Islands off the coast of England.
March 19th, 2008
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March 12th, 2008
canadianpokerplayer.com reports that Season III of the Canadian Poker Tour concluded September 2nd and all it took was a last-minute money finish in one of the final events, to crown a winner. Congratulations to Jody Trainer from Abbotsford, BC for earning the honours of the Canadian Poker Tour’s Player of the Year!
After collecting $263,125 during Season III that ran from 2006/2007 he was the fourth largest money winner. Using the International Poker Ranking system that awards points based on prize pools, size of tournaments and buy-ins (check it out at http://www.iprdata.com/cpt/home.html) his consistency and numerous money finishes awarded him 498.11 points.
For many weeks he endured a see-saw battle with Brian Joslin of Hamilton, ON in which the lead changed hands multiple times. It took an 8th place finish at the Pacific Poker Shootout on the very last event of the Season to put him over the top and retain the title.
With over 18,000 registered participants on the CPT during Season III there were 1,475 different players with at least 1 money finish. Players were able to compete in over 100 CPT events during the year that stretched from September 2006 to September 2007. A total of $13,333,146 in prize money was awarded, which was plenty of competition from some of the best tournament players in Canada.
Congratulations on winning the title of Canadian Poker Tour Player of the Year!
Thanks very much, Ken.
What’s it feel like knowing you’re one of Canada’s elite tournament players?
It feels great. It feels really good to be on top especially knowing that there a lot of great poker players in Canada. There are just so many great players like Greg Mueller who plays in a lot of events. Shawn Buchanan is always around to play in tournaments. Scott Clements from Washington comes up to play in events in Canada so there are a lot of different top players in this country and a lot of players I can learn from as well.
What kind of year was it for you poker-wise?
It was a really, really good year for me winning over $260,000. I have no complaints and I wish I could do this year all over again for next year! I think I’m always improving my game and there are little things you can work on but I’m very happy. 100 percent satisfied.
What were some of the memorable highlights?
Definitely the pot limit Omaha event I won back in November at the BC Poker Championships last year was a huge highlight and when I placed third at the Johnny Chan Poker Classic this year that was especially memorable making the final TV table.
How does a TV table change your mindset or strategy?
It’s definitely much tougher playing on a TV table. I would actually prefer not to be on a TV table because it definitely affects your game. I think it did for me that time, but maybe not so much the next time. I prefer to play more in the background. I like to play and have fun at the table but I’m not real big on playing in front of the TV cameras. (laughs)
Were you playing poker before it hit the mainstream?
I really started playing poker seriously online. That’s where I started to hone my game, with online poker. Then I expanded it from there and since then, things have been going really well.
Any mentors or other players who have helped your game?
There are a quite a few of us that talk about hands and strategy. There’s me, Dave Matthew, Scott Clement. I even talk to Scott Fischman once in a while. I talk to Dave Matthew a lot on the phone, discussing hand histories and I have several other friends and people that I like to talk hands with, especially when we’re at an event together.
How would you define your tournament strategy?
It’s really tough to just have one strategy. You have to look at every situation when you sit down depending on the table you’re at. You can’t really go in with a set game plan because that’s always changing. You could be at a really fast-paced table where someone raises every second or third hand so you have to adjust to the table you’re on and have a flexible game plan. It’s really important to adjust to different circumstances on the table. You can’t just be a one dimensional player.
Is there a “West Coast” style of play that has made a lot of BC players so successful?
I don’t know. There have been an awful lot of really good players that have come out of BC. We have some pretty stiff competition out here so I think that tends to produce better players.
What types of games do you focus on?
I do a pretty good balance of both cash games and tournaments. When I play cash games I love to play pot limit Omaha high-low as opposed to the no limit games. I have to play those mainly online because you can’t find those games around here all the time. I also play a lot of tournaments online as well. Omaha is my preference but I certainly enjoy playing no limit hold’em as well, whether it’s a tournament or a cash game.
What aspects of your game are the strongest?
It’s really tough to say since I think every skill is relative. I think you have to have all-around skills in poker to be successful.
Any hobbies or things you like to do when you’re not playing poker?
I like to play hockey, golf, go camping. I’m living in the right part of the world to do those things!
Any thoughts on becoming a professional player?
Right now I’m still working in construction but something like that could be in the near future. We’ll have to see how things go.
What do you see as the future of poker in Canada?
I can see poker definitely getting stronger in Canada. I think the online industry is going to come back strong. Online has proved to be a great feeder for players to the live tournaments. Poker in Canada is so strong right now, there are so many tournaments, the WPT event is happening in Canada, River Rock has some incredible events every year, so it’s getting stronger and more popular.
What can you say about the Canadian Poker Tour?
The Canadian Poker Tour is incredible. The events they host are right up there with any others being held anywhere else. There are so many good players in Canada and so many others that travel to these events the calibre of player have matched the events. The CPT is a very, very strong influence in this country.
Did you set any goals for yourself during last year?
I try to set my individual goals for each tournament as to where I want to be at the end of the day as far as chip-wise. I want to remain consistent throughout the tournament but not get too involved early, avoid the coin flips and stay away from the marginal situations.
Any personal projections for Season IV of the CPT?
I usually play all the events at River Rock throughout the year and any that come up at Cascades and Boulevard casinos. I might even try, although I didn’t do this last year, but try to make it outside of the province and play some events in Alberta. You never know, I might even make it into Ontario! I’m going to try to be playing even more events this coming year. I obviously had some success last year so I think I can work on that again this year.
March 9th, 2008
The Canadian federal government said yesterday it is considering new measures to stamp out Internet gaming sites based on a native reserve in Quebec, in a move that could spark conflict between Ottawa and Canada’s First Nations ahead of a second national “day of action” this summer.
The government deems the 400 or so poker and sports-betting sites operating from the Kahnawake reserve near Montreal to be illegal, but neither federal not provincial governments have attempted to enforce the law. Now Ottawa is reviewing that position.
“Following recent concerns surrounding Internet gambling in Canada, the Minister of Justice [Rob Nicholson] has asked his officials to examine whether the enforcement of the Criminal Code provisions could be assisted with other measures,” said Genevieve Breton, Mr. Nicholson’s director of communications.
The “other measures” are understood to be moves to restrict banks and credit card companies from conducting financial transactions with illegal Internet operators. Similar legislation was enacted in the United States two years ago.
The Mohawks of Kahnawake say these laws do not apply to them since they are a sovereign nation. They also cite section 35 of the Constitution, which was inserted to protect native culture. The Mohawks say that gaming has been central to their culture as a means of settling disputes through competition, not violence. Other native groups, such as the Alexander First Nation in Alberta, have said they plan to emulate Kahnawake.
Owners of horse-racing tracks, such as Great Canadian Gaming Corp., say they pay $1-billion in tax receipts every year to various levels of governments and incur huge expenses putting on the races. “These offshore operations just poach horse-racing and no one can do anything about it. They’re parasites on the butt of Canada,” said Ross McLeod, chief executive of Great Canadian Gaming, which owns four tracks in Canada.
The track owners have also suggested that governments force Internet service providers to block the sites from Canadian bandwidth. “I expect the government to do the right thing and protect our country’s interests,” Mr. McLeod said.
Chuck Barnett, who is a member of the board of supervisors for Mohawk Internet Technologies, a utility company that provides connectivity services for the site owners at Kahnawake, sees Ottawa as a foreign government that has no business regulating activity on Mohawk territory. “However, if I were a Canadian, I might instead be more interested in how explicit legislation could serve as the catalyst for a potential source of economic development, employment and revenue through taxation,” he said.
This view was echoed by Michael Lipton, a Toronto lawyer who specializes in gaming law. He said the horse-racing industry has had a monopoly on gambling in Canada for years, with Woodbine Entertainment currently holding a lock on government-sanctioned online horse betting.
“I guess if I had a monopoly, I wouldn’t want anyone to compete against me either,” Mr. Lipton said.
He said the United States has faced serious technical difficulties implementing restrictions on the payment system. “They are completely bogged down on how to block this system.”
He acknowledged the Mohawks have had some problems with fraud. The Kahnawake Gaming Commission, which regulates Web sites operating from the reserve, fined one popular Web site — Absolute Poker –$500,000 after players complained of irregular betting that was traced back to someone associated with the site. But he said most operations are transparent and credible.
Rather than attempting prohibition, Mr. Lipton said the government should bring the Kahnawake sites into the system and regulate them. He said this would protect the vulnerable, guard against money laundering, bring in tax revenue and provide a competitive edge in the gaming software market in terms of international trade.
“I think [Ottawa] should embrace this and recognize that people don’t want to be in a position where the government tells them what they can or can’t do in the peace of their own home,” he said.
March 6th, 2008
Coming in March HollywoodPoker will be launching a revamped bonus program.
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Several Hollywood Poker Celebrities are geared up to participate in the WPT Classic this March, including James Woods, Jon Favreau and Mimi Rogers.
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