10 January 2007 GPWA Times Newsletter

GPWA passes 4,000 registered users
On Sunday the GPWA reached an important milestone. The GPWA now has over 4,000 registered users. According to GPWA executive director Michael Corfman, the organization expects to reach 5,000 registered users this coming summer.

GPWA hiring a program assistant
In order to continue to support and accelerate the growth of the GPWA, we began advertising for a full-time program assistant position today. The new position was created so we will be able to respond more rapidly to membership and seal applications, and properly support new programs as they are launched.

GPWA to exhibit at ICE in London
GPWA will be exhibiting at the ICE show in London on January 23-25, 2007, just prior to the CAP Euro conference. If you are at either show, be sure to stop by our booth to pick up your free GPWA directory. It includes information about GPWA sponsor affiliate programs, as well as information about member portal sites.

Spotted Dog Media has announced they are looking to acquire iGaming portals and advertising sites. Their focus is on established sites that have a proven history of directing traffic to online casinos, sportsbooks and poker rooms. The company is currently negotiating with a few portal owners, and they expect to finalize the terms of their first acquisition at the CAP Euro conference in London later this month. In addition, Spotted Dog’s primary mission at CAP Euro is to identify and begin discussions with other prospective businesses that are available for sale. Interested parties should email or call Joe Harkins at Spotted Dog to arrange meetings at the conference. Email joeh@spotteddogmedia.com, or call 604-980-5361. Additional details are available in the Spotted Dog Media Buying iGaming Portal Sites thread in the GPWA Forums.

S.C. lawmaker proposes legalizing poker
A state representative is drafting legislation that would legalize in-house poker games in South Carolina as long as they are 'recreational.'

Zero36 files for mobile geo-targeting patent
Zero36 has filed a patent for its location-based filtering system which allows players to gamble on mobile phones for real money only in jurisdictions where it is legal. When mobile users are in an area where gambling is restricted, they will only be able to play Zero36's mobile casino games in the fun mode. But once they enter an area where gambling is legally allowed and licensed, mobile users will be able to play either the play-for-fun mode or the play-for-real-money mode.

HSBC to charge more for gambling transactions
Starting in February, HSBC will charge customers the cash advance interest rate on gambling charges instead of standard purchase interest rates.

World Series of Poker schedule released
Online poker activity generally increases during the World Series of Poker. So if you're already planning, or thinking about planning around the WSOP, here's a look at the just-released schedule.

Online gambling in the news
From Macau to Vegas and everything in between, we ferret out the latest news for you to peruse.