Reuters Securities – MGM Mirage and Sun International Hotels Ltd. were two of three recipients of online gaming licenses from the Isle of Man, a British possession, positioning the pair to offer online gaming in the United States if and when such gaming is deemed legal.
The other two licenses went to Littlewood Leisure, a British-based gaming company.
The awarding of licenses to MGM Mirage and Sun marks the latest move in what has become a quick march toward online gaming in the United States. The legality of such gaming is a federal issue, which is now being debated in the Congress and federal court system.
Anticipating a decision that may favor such gaming, Nevada became the nation’s first state earlier this year to set up a framework for regulating online gambling.
State regulatory officials have held forums on the topic, and will eventually draft rules to address such issues as keeping minors from gambling and blocking wagers from being made across state lines in violation of interstate commerce laws.
“We look forward to operating an Internet gaming site from the Isle of Man because its government has chosen to develop proper licensing and regulation,” Terry Lanni, chairman of MGM Mirage, said in a statement.
He said MGM Mirage plans to move forward “deliberately but cautiously” with its online gaming venture.
“We intend to work closely with the Isle of Man government and domestic regulatory authorities to develop a safe, secure and enjoyable Internet Situs Judi Bola gaming system which provides satisfactory assurances that Internet wagers are only accepted from jurisdictions in which such activity is legal, that underage gaming is prevented, and that access to problem gamblers is limited.”
MGM Mirage said the number of online gaming sites worldwide is now estimated at more than 1,400, and that online gaming revenues were conservatively estimated at more than $1.5 billion last year.
Bear Stearns analyst Jason Ader said that both MGM Mirage and Sun International should be able to take advantage of their established brands to market their online products.
“In our view, the Isle of Man could be one of the first key gaming jurisdictions (outside Australia) that will have the appropriate licensing and regulations that we feel are crucial to the success of this industry,” Ader wrote in a research note.
Trips to Paris and Autumn Prizes
Magic Casino is offering one lucky player and a companion a trip to Paris, France.
Casino players are automatically entered in the vacation prize draw each time they deposit a minimum of $100 into their casino account between September 15 and October 15. The package includes a return flight for two people, five nights free accommodation in Paris, and $500 spending money.
Go to the Magic Casino’s Promotions page for more details on the contest.
Magic Casino also offers its Welcome Bonus and Magic Money draw. The Welcome Bonus is a $20 bonus on a $20 deposit; any deposit over $20 gets a 20% bonus to a maximum of $100. Players are entered in the $1000 Magic Money draw when they deposit $100 or more before September 25. Magic Casino accepts Visa, MasterCard, and PayPal.
Prestige Casino
Players can enter Prestige Casino’s Autumn Prize Draw for $2,500 in weekly prizes. Top prize for the week is $1,000 in cash. Deposit and wager $50 to earn 1 credit for the draw. The more players wager, the more credits they get and the better their chances are to win.
This contest goes every week from September 20 to October 30, and it will be capped off with a $25,000 grand prize draw on Halloween (October 31).
Prestige offers a $40 Welcome Bonus on minimum $20 first deposits for new players. The casino is licensed by the government of Antigua and Barbuda, and accepts major credit cards, wire drafts, and PayPal.
Lasseters Online
Lasseters Online has a special weekend promotion running during September. Every weekend, Lasseters will randomly award 10 players who are playing any of the casino’s real money games with AU$100 each.
But that’s not all. On Monday, the casino will draw one of those 10 names and award an additional AU$1,000 to the lucky player.
Lasseters also has a special sign-up bonus for new players. Deposit any amount up to AU$500 and receive a 25% bonus. The casino is licensed by the Northern Territory Government of Australia, and offers Gold or Silver rewards programs for V.I.P. players.
