6 April 2002

Under a new new law proposed in Hong Kong, any local citizens involved in betting or bookmaking activities on the Internet would be breaking the law. Off-shore bookmaking companies which received bets through the Internet in Hong Kong would also face prosecution.  But Deputy Secretary for Home Affairs Stephen Fisher said the government had no intention of monitoring people's activities on the Internet. "We will mainly focus on illegal bookmaking groups, rather than particular online betting activities by individuals." (www.singtao.com)

20 March 2002

Microgaming launches three new progressive games for its licensee casinos: Triple Sevens Progressive Blackjack, Cyberstud Progressive Poker and Jackpot Deuces Progressive Video Poker.

14 March 2002

A bill sponsored by Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va that would update a 40-year-old law banning telephone wagers (the Wire Act) to cover Internet betting, and online casinos in particular, was passed unanimously by the U.S. House Judiciary subcommittee on crime.  The bill now moves to the full Judiciary Committee for consideration, and if passed there, on to the House and then Senate for final approval.

18 February 2002

In a report published today in USA Today, equity research firm Bear Stearns are quoted as claiming that about 4.5 million people, half of them U.S. residents, regularly gamble online.

1 November 2001

Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., introduced a bill today that would update a 40-year-old law banning telephone wagers (the Wire Act) to cover Internet betting, and online casinos in particular. The bill represents the latest attempt by US law makers to outlaw the fast growing internet gambling industry in the US.

17 October 2001

The U.S. House of Representatives today passed The Financial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001.  While the Bill was originally introduced with provisions that would make it illegal for US citizens to gamble online, all references to internet gambling were removed from the final Bill.  

2 October 2001

Microgaming today announced that one of its major licensees, English Harbour Entertainment Ltd (operators of English Harbour, Silver Dollar, Caribbean Gold casinos) will no longer be using its software for its casinos.  While little is known about the reason for the split, it is believed that Odds On will be the new software supplier for English Harbour Entertainment Ltd.

1 October 2001

Leading casino software supplier Cryptologic Inc., announced its decision to purchase well known online gambling portal WinnerOnline.  

4 September 2001

Online casino jackpot portal Jackpot Madness today announced that the 65 casino network that it represents has reached the $40 million mark in jackpot payouts.

3 September 2001

The Sands Online casino today announced that one of its customers, BOBO' (online moniker) won $414,119 playing Rags to Riches.  This jackpot, won at the Sands is the largest jackpot won to date at an online casino.

20 August 2001

World Gaming (formerly Starnet) today reached a settlement with Canadian authorities, bringing to and end a 3 year RCMP investigation.  The settlement involved World Gaming pleading guilty to a charge of violation of s 202 (1) of the Canadian Criminal Code, and being fined C$100,000.

8 August 2001

Microgaming today announced that one of its licensee's customers, Oliver C., a software engineer from Switzerland won $389,844 playing Treasure Nile at the Lucky Nugget.  This jackpot, is the largest jackpot won to date at an online casino.

27 July 2001

World Gaming announced the release of its new casino software.  The 'Version 3.2' software should be available for download at participating World Gaming casinos from August 2001.

28 June 2001

The Australian Government today passed its Interactive Gambling Legislation, making it illegal for online casinos to offer their product to Australian residents.  Amid substantial pressure from industry lobby groups, the legislation was passed with numerous amendments to its originally introduced form, including exemptions for Australian online sports book and lottery operators.