Touchscreens have become an integral part of everyday life. Wheter on ATMs, telephones or tablets; Touching a monitor intuitively has become a given for many. In sports- and live betting, intelligent touchscreen solutions – like wingo.easyweb – simplify the gaming experience for the customer…

Second in the chain of stylish Vincendo outlets opens in Meran with 60 Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs). Casinos Austria International has opened the second in its new chain of Vincendo mini casinos in northern Italy. Set at the eastern end of the spa plaza in Meran, the new venue was completed in just five months and celebrated its official opening on 29 April 2011. After the ceremonial cutting of the red ribbon, guests at the gala opening were treated to a superb evening of entertainment and culinary delights by top chef Albert Gross

Stand 3401 at ICE features ISA Guide, the well-known German-language gaming & gambling internet platform. This year, renowned industry journalist and editor-in-chief at ISA Guide, Reinhold Schmitt, will present his newest project. In his online jeton museum he exhibits more than 3,000 jetons from over 15 different countries, among them a number of old and exceptional high class commemorative jetons that evoke interesting histories of rich periods in time.

The government of California could capture tax revenues of USD 650m in gaming tax over the next five years if it were to legalise on line poker according to a report from GBGC (Global Betting and Gaming Consultants). California’s share of the US Internet poker market was approximately USD 448m in 2009 with 778,000 active accounts and this revenue is going offshore causing a loss of income for California.

Tallahassee, Florida – At 18, Floridians can vote, join the armed forces and buy a pack of cigarettes. Should they be able to play blackjack or slots? A state Senate committee last week advanced a far-reaching gambling package that would turn Seminole resorts into full casinos with craps, roulette, blackjack and no-limit poker. And South Florida racetracks would, for the first time, be authorized to operate blackjack tables.

In Ireland, the government has revealed that it has no immediate plans to tax bookmakers operating online or over the telephone because it needs more time to examine the industry. In his most recent budget speech last month, Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan stated that he intends to double the tax on land-based licensed bookmakers to 2 % on turnover from the first of the year. However, online and telephone services, which now accounts for the bulk of the industry in Ireland, will remain tax-free.

According to a new report from Juniper Research total annual wagers via mobile phones are set to reach more than USD 27.5 billion by 2013. Among the key factors for this are a change in operator attitudes towards mobile gambling services, improvements to handset user interfaces and the gradual introduction of legislation permitting remote gambling in selected markets.

Greek betting monopoly operator OPAP has dismissed reports that it is considering acquiring a stake in Spanish gaming group Codere from the Martinez Sampedro family, but reaffirmed its determination to expand geographically beyond its home market. In a filing with the Athens Stock Exchange, OPAP said its goal was to become a leading operator in the international gaming market, reducing its dependence on the current concession with the Greek state.

Boston – Voters in Massachusetts will soon decide whether greyhound racing should continue there, though the real question might be whether the once-popular sport dies a quick death or a slow one. Across the country, the legions of blue-collar fans the industry relied on have been lured away by casinos, lotteries, online gambling and other forms of betting. Track owners fighting the proposed ban fiercely oppose claims that the dogs are mistreated.

According to Vietnamese Ministry of Finance, its citizens spend about USD 2 billion a year on betting, lottery and gambling via TV and online, reported local media VietNamNet Bridge this week. The ministry discovered programs planned by Internet service providers, radio, TV and press agencies are conducting illegal gambling activities and profiting by charging high S.M.S. fees.

The Eastern Cape Gambling and Betting Board will issue a draft request for proposals for the 10-year casino license in the western part of the province (Zone 1) currently held by Sun International, which operates the Boardwalk in Port Elizabeth. In an advertisement yesterday, the board said a „bidders conference“ would be held at its offices in East London on September 5 at which it would hear from interested parties.