It’s a safe bet that by next year at this time, you’re going to see Google Glass just about everywhere… everywhere, that is, but inside of any casino that knows what’s best for business.

The augmented reality wearable computer with a head-mounted display is expected to be released by the end of 2013. And you can count on it being a hot commodity. But since Google Glass may also be capable of counting cards, don’t expect to roam freely around Las Vegas wearing it, say tech security experts who believe criminals and other devious minds may look for ways to capitalize on the technology for underhanded deeds.

Privacy is another concern, as illustrated in Seattle this week at the 5 Point Cafe. The establishment, according to a report from Geekwire, is one of the first in the nation to declare a ban on Google Glass. The reason?

Continue Reading

United Kingdom-based 888 Holdings – a leading online gaming operator – has reportedly sealed the deal on a significant new joint venture in the U.S.

Following the passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, 888 Holdings disappeared from the United States. But now it’s back. As the U.S. approaches with haste an anticipated new era of legalized online gambling, 888 Holdings is clearly setting its sights on a potential billion-dollar market.

The gaming outfit is partnering with Avenue Capital Group – an investment firm based in the United States.

Continue Reading

According to Vegas Inc., two more prominent gaming industry brands are lining up to join Nevada’s interactive gaming license club.

Following the state Gaming Control Board’s unanimous approval of recommendations for foreign and domestic operators, 888 Holdings of Gibraltar and Las Vegas-based Treasure Island entered the picture.

“888 Holdings intends to collaborate with Treasure Island, as well as WMS Gaming and Caesars Entertainment, to offer online poker using its technology and experience in the European market,” the report reads.

Continue Reading

There’s been a setback for New Jersey’s attempt to become the third state in the nation to legalize online gambling.

On Tuesday, New Jersey joined the ranks of Nevada and Delaware in an ambitious effort to cultivate the opportunity-rich industry of Internet gambling.

“This was a critical decision, and one that I did not make lightly,” New Jersey Governor Chris Christie said at the time.

Continue Reading

GameHouse, the Seattle-based division of RealNetworks, is betting all of its chips on social casino games.

Sharing the belief that online and mobile gambling may be the next billion dollar industry, Matt Hulett – the president of GameHouse – is letting it ride.

In addition to launching GameHouse Casino on Facebook this week – which coincides with the debut of GameHouse Slots on the iPhone – half of the company’s 200 employees are now officially assigned to the creation of social casino games.

Continue Reading

In recent weeks, MMW has dedicated ample coverage to the quest for legalized online gambling in the states of Nevada, Delaware, and New Jersey.

On Tuesday, New Jersey joined the successful ranks of Nevada and Delaware to become the third state in the nation to legalize Internet gambling.

“This was a critical decision, and one that I did not make lightly,” New Jersey Governor Chris Christie tells the AP. “But with the proper regulatory framework and safeguards that I insisted on including in the bill, I am confident that we are offering a responsible yet exciting option that will make Atlantic City more competitive while also bringing financial benefits to New Jersey as a whole.”
Continue Reading

Last week, MMW reported on the surge among Silicon Valley investors and other digital powerhouses looking to bet on the next billion-dollar industry: online and mobile casino games.

On Tuesday, another giant name in the social gaming space stood up to plant its flag in this burgeoning real-money gaming arena.

Zynga CEO Mark Pincus says his company will make gambling games more social. First market? The U.K.

Continue Reading