13 December 2006 GPWA Times Newsletter

First 35 Sites Awarded "GPWA Approved Portal" Seal
The new seal of approval program to recognize sites operated in accordance with the GPWA code of conduct was officially launched earlier today together with an announcement that 35 sites have already been awarded the right to display the seal. The program is designed to establish credibility for deserving websites through the use of a "GPWA Approved Portal" seal linked to a confirmation page that authenticates the seal and explains what it means.


Probability Plc launches affiliate program
Mobile phone gambling specialist Probability Plc launched its Affiliate Program Tuesday with a promise to bring much needed transparency, predictability and speed to affiliate marketing for gambling services and restore trust to the market. Starting this week, Web and Wap site owners can start earning additional revenues by referring their users to "Lady Luck's," Probability's award winning mobile service offering slots, Bingo!, Roulette and other cash games.

Italy, Spain usher in new gambling regs
Gaming regulators in Italy and Spain have passed legislation to liberalize Internet and land-based betting, prompting a deluge of license applications from foreign operators. In Italy, the government is regulating online casinos and auctioning off 17,000 licenses for sports and horse racing betting at shops and other outlets. Companies have been invited to bid for the number of outlets for which they want licenses. Sports wagering will also be permitted online.

BGroom.com launches new backgammon software, affiliate guarantee
Site says it will beat any affiliate deal on the market, with affiliates earning a commission of net gaming or Cost Per Acquisition.

WPT deploys platform to prevent fraud
The World Poker Tour has hired Digital Resolve to make sure its online casino authenticates users and complies with the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. "With the rise of fraud and the new legal restrictions on online gambling, we needed a complete solution that combined the power of IP Intelligence with proven fraud detection and user authentication capabilities," said Michael Katz, President of Online Gaming, WPT Enterprises.

New operational standards introduced by eCOGRA
A newly established dedicated team is set to monitor the 91 online casinos and 21 poker rooms accredited under the 'Play It Safe' seal by eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA). The team, which includes 4 individuals with Big 4 audit firms and online gambling experience, will take over the role previously outsourced to third party auditing firms.