Monthly Archives: January 2009

Victory (for now) in the Gambling Industry!

The USA state of Kentucky appeals court pasted a ruling in favor of the Gambling Industry! It ruled a 2-1 vote in favor of online gambling sites as not a gambling device. They said that domain names are not defined as gambling devices under state law. The evidence was not contested that demonstrates the illegal and unregulated activities happening and that millions of dollars is lost as a result.

Why would the state use so much time and resources to hijack domain names, is beyond the understanding of the average taxpayer’s reason. They are calling and outraged and pleading with the commonwealth to not invest another dime in what they call “quixotic” case.

There are now ground rules laid down if the state wants to proceed with their arguments in a higher court. Instructions were given to either change the law, or to have the domain names included as a gambling device.

Let’ see how the new government under Obama respond to this ruling.

Despite all odds, online gaming community continues to grow

Revenues generated from online gaming in China alone are expected to reach a mind-boggling $2.67 billion in 2010!

With the continually growing popularity of online games in China comes a higher addiction rate and apparently, this is a serious problem that the Chinese government is working on curbing sooner rather than later. One of the measures put in place is real-name registrations. Now Chinese players who wish to gamble online must give their real names when registering accounts. Additionally, a mandatory anti-addiction system has been put in place. This system is to be installed in the online gaming software. How it works is still unclear but the Chinese Daily Newspaper wrote an article about the system.
Despite any obstacles, online gaming continues to grow in China. In 2008, gaming revenues were reported at $1.86 billion. Extremely popular on the playing field are games like World of WarCraft but surprisingly online and casual games are running neck and neck with them so much so that local web companies are looking at attracting venture capital.

It was said that in-game advertising is a hot ticket for generating revenue. The proof is in the pudding. Companies like Shanda, one of China’s online gaming gurus, are paying special attention to in-game advertising. Demographic changes are an especially important factor to take note of, with female gamers and persons outside urban areas adding to the overall count. The more, the merrier, I always say, and that adage seems to be bearing fruit. It will be interesting to see what effects this has on Chinese society in the years to come.

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The ASA strikes again – this time at Ladbrokes

Ladbrokes’ latest TV commercials received two thumbs down by the Advertising Standards Authority who claimed that the ads breed “excessive risk taking and recless behaviour”. Ladbrokes is not pleased and will appeal the decision because from their perspective, the ads were humourous and light-hearted with a message that Players don’t have to take risks anywhere else. One ad featured a man skydiving for a parachute with a pack of chips in one hand. In the other ad, a man with bacon and sausages tied around his waist was swimming with sharks. Initially the ASA argued that the ad:

portrayed gambling in a context of toughness or linked it to risk taking and reckless behaviour;
portrayed, condoned or encouraged people to gamble in a way that was socially irresponsible and could lead to financial harm;
exploited the susceptibilities and aspirations of vulnerable people, according to the BCAP TV Advertising Code.

The ASA later cleared the last 2 charges but maintained the first and banned the ad accordingly.

Ladbrokes is now lodging a request with the Independent Reviewer of ASA Adjudications to review the decision. While we waited for the Round 1 of the ad ban fighting match to proceed, Ladbrokes got themselves busy rebutting the ban with another humourous ad featuring a mock up of a police missing persons poster. The ad offered a £20 BONUS to the lucky Player who found the person responsible for getting the ad banned. The ad headline read in bold print “MISSING” and in smaller print below “(a funny bone)”. It described the complainant as: “Body Type: Busy. Nose: Severely out of joint. Last Seen: Throwing toys out of pram.” Ladbrokes further said that the complainant need not worry because all it (Ladbrokes) wants to do is give them a big bunch of flowers and a hug to say sorry.”

Click here to view the MISSING poster. p>