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Senator Nick Xenophon was recently alerted to the existence of free iPhone casino games that let people enjoy simulated poker and slots on their mobiles. He believes the games are vulnerable to abuse by children, and wants the federal government to launch an inquiry. The games, he says, should be illegal for children to play.

International Business Times: Parliament junks iPhone gambling applications

Australian senator Nick Xenophon does not want “for fun” gambling applications to become readily available for download on the iPhone. The lawmaker said Australians are already overexposed to gambling.

According to Xenophon, free poker applications available on the iPhone allow, even children, to play for fake money. These games, he says, should not be allowed by the Australian government because they can expose children to gambling at an early age.

“We already have a big enough gambling problem in this country and there’s no doubt this will fuel gambling addiction. Kids can become poker machine experts years before they are legally allowed to set eyes on a real machine.”

“The use of money, albeit fantasy, drills home a false impression that poker machines can be a source of money or income,” said Xenophon. “….This is a training application for kids to lose real money when they turn eighteen.”

Xenophon understands that it would be impossible to ban these applications in Australia, but he still hopes to introduce measures that would make it illegal for Apple to provide free iPhone casino games to children.

Herald Sun: iPhone pokie apps targeted at children, says Senator Nick Xenophon

Free iPhone casino games that allow children to play poker are irresponsible and should be banned, says Senator Nick Xenophon.

Numerous iPhone applications can be downloaded for free, and are identical to machines in found in clubs, pubs and casinos, except they don’t pay real money.

Senator Xenophon said he wasn’t aware that the games existed until he was recently alerted to their availability.

“It’s irresponsible to allow these applications in the hands of children,” Senator Xenophon said. “We already have a big . . . gambling problem in this country and there is no doubt this will fuel gambling addiction.

“Kids can become poker machines experts years before they are legally allowed to set eyes on a real machine.”

“The use of money, albeit fantasy, drills home a false impression that poker machines can be a source of money or income,” Senator Xenophon said.

The Sydney Morning Herald: Ban iPhone gambling apps: Xenophon

Numerous free casino games, some promoted by gaming companies like Harrah’s, can be downloaded and played on the iPhone for free. The games are similar to real money machines found across Australia.

Senator Xenophon says the games are irresponsible, and could too easily fall into the hands of children.

“We already have a big enough gambling problem in this country and there is no doubt this will fuel gambling addiction.

Some of the applications specifically state that they are for 12-year-olds and upwards, but others have no minimum age suggestions.

“Having a recommended age description of 12 is totally inadequate. This is a training application for kids to lose real money when they turn 18,” says Xenophon.

The senator hopes to alert the federal government, and to start an inquiry into the games, outlawing them for children.

“There needs to be a parliamentary inquiry into online gambling laws because otherwise we will see a new wave of problem gamblers as soon as these kids turn 18,” Xenophon said.

“It’s not only promoting poker machines its conditioning people to use them.

Senator Nick Xenophon was recently alerted to the existence of free iPhone casino games that let people enjoy simulated poker and slots on their mobiles. He believes the games are vulnerable to abuse by children, and wants the federal government to launch an inquiry. The games, he says, should be illegal for children to play.

International Business Times: Parliament junks iPhone gambling applications

Australian senator Nick Xenophon does not want “for fun” gambling applications to become readily available for download on the iPhone. The lawmaker said Australians are already overexposed to gambling.

According to Xenophon, free poker applications available on the iPhone allow, even children, to play for fake money. These games, he says, should not be allowed by the Australian government because they can expose children to gambling at an early age.

“We already have a big enough gambling problem in this country and there’s no doubt this will fuel gambling addiction. Kids can become poker machine experts years before they are legally allowed to set eyes on a real machine.”

“The use of money, albeit fantasy, drills home a false impression that poker machines can be a source of money or income,” said Xenophon. “….This is a training application for kids to lose real money when they turn eighteen.”

Xenophon understands that it would be impossible to ban these applications in Australia, but he still hopes to introduce measures that would make it illegal for Apple to provide free iPhone casino games to children.

Herald Sun: iPhone pokie apps targeted at children, says Senator Nick Xenophon

Free iPhone casino games that allow children to play poker are irresponsible and should be banned, says Senator Nick Xenophon.

Numerous iPhone applications can be downloaded for free, and are identical to machines in found in clubs, pubs and casinos, except they don’t pay real money.

Senator Xenophon said he wasn’t aware that the games existed until he was recently alerted to their availability.

“It’s irresponsible to allow these applications in the hands of children,” Senator Xenophon said. “We already have a big . . . gambling problem in this country and there is no doubt this will fuel gambling addiction.

“Kids can become poker machines experts years before they are legally allowed to set eyes on a real machine.”

“The use of money, albeit fantasy, drills home a false impression that poker machines can be a source of money or income,” Senator Xenophon said.

The Sydney Morning Herald: Ban iPhone gambling apps: Xenophon

Numerous free casino games, some promoted by gaming companies like Harrah’s, can be downloaded and played on the iPhone for free. The games are similar to real money machines found across Australia.

Senator Xenophon says the games are irresponsible, and could too easily fall into the hands of children.

“We already have a big enough gambling problem in this country and there is no doubt this will fuel gambling addiction.

Some of the applications specifically state that they are for 12-year-olds and upwards, but others have no minimum age suggestions.

“Having a recommended age description of 12 is totally inadequate. This is a training application for kids to lose real money when they turn 18,” says Xenophon.

The senator hopes to alert the federal government, and to start an inquiry into the games, outlawing them for children.

“There needs to be a parliamentary inquiry into online gambling laws because otherwise we will see a new wave of problem gamblers as soon as these kids turn 18,” Xenophon said.

“It’s not only promoting poker machines its conditioning people to use them.

As a result of the economic downturn that the United States recently went through, many of the nation’s states have considered what was not a high-priority issue before the crisis; the liberalization of gambling laws. Illinois seems to be next state that’s waking up to the bountiful benefits of the industry.

Daily Herald: Lawmakers, chamber receptive to slots at track

Arlington Heights trustees aren’t interested in a video casino even though some suburban lawmakers think video gambling at the local horse track is worth pursuing.

When she heard about a possible deal that would put video slot and poker machines at Arlington Park and other tracks, state Rep. Suzie Bassi said she supported the idea because the slots would be put in areas already under the microscope of gambling regulators.

Under the measure, local governments hosting the machines would get a 5% cut of the slot profits. However, local governments wouldn’t get a say in whether they want the machines at all, a main point of contention for some trustee’s.

Under the proposal, Arlington Park and other tracks in Cook County would get as many as 1,200 video gambling positions. Downstate tracks would get up to 900. The new video casinos would have to be based within 300 yards of the track.

The proposal would help support financing for the state’s massive $31 billion construction project. The massive public works program was supposed to be financed partially through video gambling, but that funding source has started to buckle as local governments refused to allow the controversial gambling machines in their taverns.

Fox News: Video Poker May Be On Way to Horse Tracks

State lawmakers in Chicago are apparently negotiating a proposal that would permit the introduction of video slots and poker machines to horse tracks across Illinois, including Arlington Park.

It’s been reported that the state would regulate how profits and taxes made through the machines would be distributed. One proposal would require race tracks to pay up to $25,000 per machine.

The Communities that would end up with the machines would get 5% of the tax revenue from the machines. Taxes on that revenue would go toward helping pay for construction projects around the state.

ABC News: Gambling machines may be allowed at Ill. horse tracks

An apparent deal being pondered by Illinois state legislators would put hundreds of video slot and poker machines at Arlington Park among other horse tracks located within the state.

Taxes from the games would go toward construction spending. Lawmakers have allegedly agreed on a proposal, after weeks of discussions behind the scenes.

Proponents say the move would give the tracks and local governments a financial boost. Arlington Park and other Cook County tracks would get up to 1,200 gambling positions. Downstate tracks would get up to 900.

These new video casinos would have to be within 300 yards of the track.

As a result of the economic downturn that the United States recently went through, many of the nation’s states have considered what was not a high-priority issue before the crisis; the liberalization of gambling laws. Illinois seems to be next state that’s waking up to the bountiful benefits of the industry.

Daily Herald: Lawmakers, chamber receptive to slots at track

Arlington Heights trustees aren’t interested in a video casino even though some suburban lawmakers think video gambling at the local horse track is worth pursuing.

When she heard about a possible deal that would put video slot and poker machines at Arlington Park and other tracks, state Rep. Suzie Bassi said she supported the idea because the slots would be put in areas already under the microscope of gambling regulators.

Under the measure, local governments hosting the machines would get a 5% cut of the slot profits. However, local governments wouldn’t get a say in whether they want the machines at all, a main point of contention for some trustee’s.

Under the proposal, Arlington Park and other tracks in Cook County would get as many as 1,200 video gambling positions. Downstate tracks would get up to 900. The new video casinos would have to be based within 300 yards of the track.

The proposal would help support financing for the state’s massive $31 billion construction project. The massive public works program was supposed to be financed partially through video gambling, but that funding source has started to buckle as local governments refused to allow the controversial gambling machines in their taverns.

Fox News: Video Poker May Be On Way to Horse Tracks

State lawmakers in Chicago are apparently negotiating a proposal that would permit the introduction of video slots and poker machines to horse tracks across Illinois, including Arlington Park.

It’s been reported that the state would regulate how profits and taxes made through the machines would be distributed. One proposal would require race tracks to pay up to $25,000 per machine.

The Communities that would end up with the machines would get 5% of the tax revenue from the machines. Taxes on that revenue would go toward helping pay for construction projects around the state.

ABC News: Gambling machines may be allowed at Ill. horse tracks

An apparent deal being pondered by Illinois state legislators would put hundreds of video slot and poker machines at Arlington Park among other horse tracks located within the state.

Taxes from the games would go toward construction spending. Lawmakers have allegedly agreed on a proposal, after weeks of discussions behind the scenes.

Proponents say the move would give the tracks and local governments a financial boost. Arlington Park and other Cook County tracks would get up to 1,200 gambling positions. Downstate tracks would get up to 900.

These new video casinos would have to be within 300 yards of the track.

Parents who subscribe to the new 3G wireless internet service offered by Tibboh will have fine-tuned control over what sites their children can access. The ISP has rated billions of websites using the same system that the British Board of Film Classification uses to rate films. Parents can create custom logins for each child, and restrict their net access to age-appropriate sites, keeping them away from adult-oriented websites like online gambling and porn.

Telegraph: New ISP with age ratings for websites launched

Tibboh, a new Internet Service Provider in the UK, consulted the British Board of Film Classification for help in categorizing three billion websites with a new rating system.

Each category of site is assigned its own rating. Social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace have been rated 12, while online gambling websites and illegal downloading sites are rated 18.

Each internet user has a unique login, and since their age is on file in the system, the internet becomes age-restricted. For example, 12-year-olds will be stopped from accessing websites that are rated 15.

The new system shares a commonality between movie and video game classifications that are standard across the UK.

The system was suggested in a government-commissioned report published in 2008 by Professor Tanya Bryon.

BBC News: Film classification takes to the web

A UK internet service provider will soon offer a web filtering service that uses the same classification system that the film and video game industries provide.

The British Board of Film Classification has teamed up with ISP to create the system. Parents will be able select the level of filtering they require to protect their children, choosing from U, PG, 12, 15 or 18. This will help parents to block sites related to pornography, gambling, and other adult themes.

The ISP, Tibboh, is currently only offering the filter through their 3G mobile internet service. Users who want to implement the filter will need a special dongle, and will be able to register individual profiles for different family members.

There will be a monthly charge of £19.99 for the service, which has a 15 gigabyte data limit.

Thinq.co.uk: Kids’ ISP launches with UK censor backing

A mobile internet service provider with a built-in content filtering system has just launched, giving UK parents a way to restrict their kids’ internet access to age-appropriate sites.

The £19.99/month service from Tibboh (which is Hobbit spelled backwards) classifies websites using the same system that the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) uses to rate films – U, PG, 12, 15 and 18.

The system will give parents fine-tuned filtering options than previous blanket filters that block too much.

The BBFC officially supports the project, after Tibboh became the first ISP to use its online membership guidelines.

The filtering system is tamper resistant, and will prevent net-savvy children from changing their profile settings and gaining access to sites their parents wish to block.

Parents who subscribe to the new 3G wireless internet service offered by Tibboh will have fine-tuned control over what sites their children can access. The ISP has rated billions of websites using the same system that the British Board of Film Classification uses to rate films. Parents can create custom logins for each child, and restrict their net access to age-appropriate sites, keeping them away from adult-oriented websites like online gambling and porn.

Telegraph: New ISP with age ratings for websites launched

Tibboh, a new Internet Service Provider in the UK, consulted the British Board of Film Classification for help in categorizing three billion websites with a new rating system.

Each category of site is assigned its own rating. Social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace have been rated 12, while online gambling websites and illegal downloading sites are rated 18.

Each internet user has a unique login, and since their age is on file in the system, the internet becomes age-restricted. For example, 12-year-olds will be stopped from accessing websites that are rated 15.

The new system shares a commonality between movie and video game classifications that are standard across the UK.

The system was suggested in a government-commissioned report published in 2008 by Professor Tanya Bryon.

BBC News: Film classification takes to the web

A UK internet service provider will soon offer a web filtering service that uses the same classification system that the film and video game industries provide.

The British Board of Film Classification has teamed up with ISP to create the system. Parents will be able select the level of filtering they require to protect their children, choosing from U, PG, 12, 15 or 18. This will help parents to block sites related to pornography, gambling, and other adult themes.

The ISP, Tibboh, is currently only offering the filter through their 3G mobile internet service. Users who want to implement the filter will need a special dongle, and will be able to register individual profiles for different family members.

There will be a monthly charge of £19.99 for the service, which has a 15 gigabyte data limit.

Thinq.co.uk: Kids’ ISP launches with UK censor backing

A mobile internet service provider with a built-in content filtering system has just launched, giving UK parents a way to restrict their kids’ internet access to age-appropriate sites.

The £19.99/month service from Tibboh (which is Hobbit spelled backwards) classifies websites using the same system that the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) uses to rate films – U, PG, 12, 15 and 18.

The system will give parents fine-tuned filtering options than previous blanket filters that block too much.

The BBFC officially supports the project, after Tibboh became the first ISP to use its online membership guidelines.

The filtering system is tamper resistant, and will prevent net-savvy children from changing their profile settings and gaining access to sites their parents wish to block.

The former president of one of the world’s most successful gambling operators MGM Mirage Global, Lloyd Nathan, has been asked to run a new Vegas style casino resort which will operate 130 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Bloomberg Business Week: MGM’s Nathan to Run First ‘Vegas Style’ Viet Casino

Asian Coast Development Ltd. hired Lloyd Nathan, the former president of MGM Mirage Global Gaming Development, to run the first Vegas-style casino in Vietnam. Asian Coast has a 50-year license to build a $4.2 billion casino and resort 130 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam will be compete with neighboring resorts Macau, the world’s biggest gaming hub.

In an e-mail Nathan said, “The 16 countries in close proximity to Vietnam comprise almost 2/3 of the world’s population, but only 5% of the world’s licensed gaming establishments.”

The casino will be off-limits to the nation’s 86 million people. Singapore’s first casino opened on February 14 at the Resorts World Sentosa project. The government charges locals a $72 admission fee.

The new beachside Vietnamese resort will include 550 rooms, 90 gaming tables and 500 slot machines initially. The development is licensed for up to 180 tables and 1000 slot machines, he said.

The Associated Press: Development firm hires MGM Mirage’s Nathan as CEO

Officials say an MGM Mirage executive has left the casino company to lead a Canadian firm working on a $4.2 billion casino development in Vietnam.

Vancouver, British Columbia-based Asian Coast Development Ltd. named Lloyd Nathan its chief executive and appointed him to its board.

Nathan was previously president of MGM Mirage Global Gaming Development and had been involved in the Ho Tram Strip project for the Las Vegas-based company.

Officials say the Ho Tram Strip is being developed on 420 acres along more than 1 mile of beachfront land on the South China Sea.

Reuters: UPDATE 1-MGM-branded casino planned for Vietnam resort area

Asian Coast Development Ltd says that it has named Lloyd Nathan, former president of MGM Mirage’s global gaming development, chief executive officer of the new project in Vietnam. The Vancouver-based investment group has hired Las Vegas-based MGM Mirage to operate the $400 million, 1,100-room resort, which will be called the MGM Grand Ho Tram.

Asian Coast, which holds a 50-year investment license from the Vietnamese government, said overall plans call for a $4.2 billion project that will encompass five resorts, two of which will include gambling. The license allows 180 table games and 2,000 electronic games (such as slot machines), split between the two casino properties.

China’s Macau, the only place in the area where gambling is legal, surpassed Las Vegas several years ago to become the world’s largest source of gambling revenue. MGM has a joint-venture project in Macau, and rival Wynn Resorts this week opened its second casino-resort in the Chinese enclave.

The former president of one of the world’s most successful gambling operators MGM Mirage Global, Lloyd Nathan, has been asked to run a new Vegas style casino resort which will operate 130 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Bloomberg Business Week: MGM’s Nathan to Run First ‘Vegas Style’ Viet Casino

Asian Coast Development Ltd. hired Lloyd Nathan, the former president of MGM Mirage Global Gaming Development, to run the first Vegas-style casino in Vietnam. Asian Coast has a 50-year license to build a $4.2 billion casino and resort 130 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam will be compete with neighboring resorts Macau, the world’s biggest gaming hub.

In an e-mail Nathan said, “The 16 countries in close proximity to Vietnam comprise almost 2/3 of the world’s population, but only 5% of the world’s licensed gaming establishments.”

The casino will be off-limits to the nation’s 86 million people. Singapore’s first casino opened on February 14 at the Resorts World Sentosa project. The government charges locals a $72 admission fee.

The new beachside Vietnamese resort will include 550 rooms, 90 gaming tables and 500 slot machines initially. The development is licensed for up to 180 tables and 1000 slot machines, he said.

The Associated Press: Development firm hires MGM Mirage’s Nathan as CEO

Officials say an MGM Mirage executive has left the casino company to lead a Canadian firm working on a $4.2 billion casino development in Vietnam.

Vancouver, British Columbia-based Asian Coast Development Ltd. named Lloyd Nathan its chief executive and appointed him to its board.

Nathan was previously president of MGM Mirage Global Gaming Development and had been involved in the Ho Tram Strip project for the Las Vegas-based company.

Officials say the Ho Tram Strip is being developed on 420 acres along more than 1 mile of beachfront land on the South China Sea.

Reuters: UPDATE 1-MGM-branded casino planned for Vietnam resort area

Asian Coast Development Ltd says that it has named Lloyd Nathan, former president of MGM Mirage’s global gaming development, chief executive officer of the new project in Vietnam. The Vancouver-based investment group has hired Las Vegas-based MGM Mirage to operate the $400 million, 1,100-room resort, which will be called the MGM Grand Ho Tram.

Asian Coast, which holds a 50-year investment license from the Vietnamese government, said overall plans call for a $4.2 billion project that will encompass five resorts, two of which will include gambling. The license allows 180 table games and 2,000 electronic games (such as slot machines), split between the two casino properties.

China’s Macau, the only place in the area where gambling is legal, surpassed Las Vegas several years ago to become the world’s largest source of gambling revenue. MGM has a joint-venture project in Macau, and rival Wynn Resorts this week opened its second casino-resort in the Chinese enclave.

Joeseph Baer, 39, was arrested on Tuesday while playing blackjack at a casino in Atlantic City. Baer was suspected of robbing three banks in Philadelpha during the past week. He has been convicted of robbing banks before, and has a history of gambling. Police suspected he might show up at casinos in the area to gamble away the money he robbed.

ABC News Philadelphia: Serial bank robbery suspect in custody

Joseph Baer, a 39 year old man wanted for robbing three banks in the US state of Pennsylvania last week, is now in police custody. He was spotted around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning at the blackjack tables in the Trump Plaza Casino, where he was apprehended.

Baer is an avid gambler, and police suspected that they would find him in one of the local casinos.

Baer is being charged with robbing approximately $1,000 from the PNC Bank in Philadelphia on April 13th. He is also a suspect in two other bank robberies: one at the Citizens Bank and one at the TruMark Financial Credit Union last Friday.

The FBI says that Baer was also wanted for escaping from a halfway house the day of the PNC Bank robbery.

Philly.com: Bank robbery suspect nabbed at casino

For Joseph Baer, a recent trip to gamble in Atlantic City turned out to be a losing bet.

Baer, who was wanted in connection with three bank robberies that happened last week, was spotted playing blackjack at the Trump Plaza Casino by New Jersey state troopers. The officers took the suspect into custody without incident.

On Monday, Baer was caught on camera robbing a Citizen’s Bank branch in Northeast Philadelphia. Last week, he allegedly robbed a different bank in the city’s Mayfair section, where he was also caught on security cameras.

Baer was also wanted for escaping from a federal halfway house on the day of the first robbery. He recently served six-year sentence for robbing two banks in 2004, and had been living at the Luzerne Community Corrections Center in North Philadelphia. His caseworker told authorities that he signed out on April 12 to go to work at a McDonalds.

CBS News Philadelphia: Serial Bank Bandit Found In A.C. Casino

A suspected serial bank robber is in custody after police spotted him playing blackjack a casino in Atlantic City on Tuesday morning.

New Jersey State Police detectives detained 39-year-old Joseph Baer on the floor of the Trump Plaza Casino without incident at around 10 a.m.

Baer was wanted for robbing a PNC Bank in Philadelphia on April 13. Security images showed Baer wearing a Donovan McNabb Eagles jersey when he robbed the bank of $1,000 – the images earned him the nickname “McNabb Bandit”. Baer’s identity came to light with a member of the public recognized him from the photos.

Baer is also suspected of being involved in the robbery of two other area banks that were committed last week.

FBI officials say Baer was convicted of two different bank robberies back in March 2004.

Joeseph Baer, 39, was arrested on Tuesday while playing blackjack at a casino in Atlantic City. Baer was suspected of robbing three banks in Philadelpha during the past week. He has been convicted of robbing banks before, and has a history of gambling. Police suspected he might show up at casinos in the area to gamble away the money he robbed.

ABC News Philadelphia: Serial bank robbery suspect in custody

Joseph Baer, a 39 year old man wanted for robbing three banks in the US state of Pennsylvania last week, is now in police custody. He was spotted around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning at the blackjack tables in the Trump Plaza Casino, where he was apprehended.

Baer is an avid gambler, and police suspected that they would find him in one of the local casinos.

Baer is being charged with robbing approximately $1,000 from the PNC Bank in Philadelphia on April 13th. He is also a suspect in two other bank robberies: one at the Citizens Bank and one at the TruMark Financial Credit Union last Friday.

The FBI says that Baer was also wanted for escaping from a halfway house the day of the PNC Bank robbery.

Philly.com: Bank robbery suspect nabbed at casino

For Joseph Baer, a recent trip to gamble in Atlantic City turned out to be a losing bet.

Baer, who was wanted in connection with three bank robberies that happened last week, was spotted playing blackjack at the Trump Plaza Casino by New Jersey state troopers. The officers took the suspect into custody without incident.

On Monday, Baer was caught on camera robbing a Citizen’s Bank branch in Northeast Philadelphia. Last week, he allegedly robbed a different bank in the city’s Mayfair section, where he was also caught on security cameras.

Baer was also wanted for escaping from a federal halfway house on the day of the first robbery. He recently served six-year sentence for robbing two banks in 2004, and had been living at the Luzerne Community Corrections Center in North Philadelphia. His caseworker told authorities that he signed out on April 12 to go to work at a McDonalds.

CBS News Philadelphia: Serial Bank Bandit Found In A.C. Casino

A suspected serial bank robber is in custody after police spotted him playing blackjack a casino in Atlantic City on Tuesday morning.

New Jersey State Police detectives detained 39-year-old Joseph Baer on the floor of the Trump Plaza Casino without incident at around 10 a.m.

Baer was wanted for robbing a PNC Bank in Philadelphia on April 13. Security images showed Baer wearing a Donovan McNabb Eagles jersey when he robbed the bank of $1,000 – the images earned him the nickname “McNabb Bandit”. Baer’s identity came to light with a member of the public recognized him from the photos.

Baer is also suspected of being involved in the robbery of two other area banks that were committed last week.

FBI officials say Baer was convicted of two different bank robberies back in March 2004.

Four different casinos were raided on Monday by undercover police officers and their finding was a bit surprising. The disguised internet cafes offered casino-style games and failed to mention the undercover officers could use the internet. Over $22,000 in cash was seized as well as over 120 computers.

The Roanoke Times: Internet cafe raids netted computers, cash

Investigators raided 4 Roanoke County Internet cafes which allegedly harbored illegal gambling. Cash and computers were hauled away along with a pot of winnings from undercover gaming that officers used to build their case.

Some variation of gambling was going on at each of the 4 so called “internet cafes” and officers took a total of $22,580 in cash and 126 computers among other things.

At Bennett’s Internet, customers paid $6 per hour of online access, and got a card that enabled them to play 18 casino-style games until the points on the card ran out, or until the customer bought more Internet time and got more points. Players could win up to $3,000 but winners and losers were predetermined based on the card they bought.

Virginia’s General Assembly’s upcoming veto session may see the approval of legislation that will clarify the application of current anti-gambling statutes.

WDBJ 7: What police seized in “internet cafe” raids

Roanoke County police have cashed in their chips on last week’s gaming parlor raids. Search warrant returns indicate that police seized more than 100 computers from the four “Internet cafes” that were raided on Thursday.

Documents filed Monday indicate the undercover investigation began at Bennett’s Internet on September 3 of last year. The store’s owner claims that he was only selling internet time, at $6 and hour, and a chance to win sweepstakes. County detectives say there was no mention of the internet when they went in, undercover, only casino slots and card games.

The combined take from the four locations adds up to more than $22,000 in cash plus a total of 122 computers.

NBC News: Roanoke Co. Police detail reasons why they raided four Internet cafes

Four internet cafes in Roanoke County are at the center of a big investigation involving illegal gambling and money laundering. Search warrants were granted and an undercover operation was executed on Monday.

At the first business, a detective started with $20, played casino-style games and eventually won $82. At another business, an attendant made the detective sign a document explaining he was purchasing internet time and would be given free entries into a sweepstakes. The detective starting playing with $100 and left with only $13.

After a year-long investigation, police finally went in last week. This time they weren’t undercover. Over 120-computers, well over $22,000 and game cards were seized in the raid.

None of the business owners have been charged, but I spoke with two of them who maintain they were running a legitimate business and plan to fight the case.

Police are sifting through all the items taken from the internet cafes.

They say the investigation could take up to several weeks.

Four different casinos were raided on Monday by undercover police officers and their finding was a bit surprising. The disguised internet cafes offered casino-style games and failed to mention the undercover officers could use the internet. Over $22,000 in cash was seized as well as over 120 computers.

The Roanoke Times: Internet cafe raids netted computers, cash

Investigators raided 4 Roanoke County Internet cafes which allegedly harbored illegal gambling. Cash and computers were hauled away along with a pot of winnings from undercover gaming that officers used to build their case.

Some variation of gambling was going on at each of the 4 so called “internet cafes” and officers took a total of $22,580 in cash and 126 computers among other things.

At Bennett’s Internet, customers paid $6 per hour of online access, and got a card that enabled them to play 18 casino-style games until the points on the card ran out, or until the customer bought more Internet time and got more points. Players could win up to $3,000 but winners and losers were predetermined based on the card they bought.

Virginia’s General Assembly’s upcoming veto session may see the approval of legislation that will clarify the application of current anti-gambling statutes.

WDBJ 7: What police seized in “internet cafe” raids

Roanoke County police have cashed in their chips on last week’s gaming parlor raids. Search warrant returns indicate that police seized more than 100 computers from the four “Internet cafes” that were raided on Thursday.

Documents filed Monday indicate the undercover investigation began at Bennett’s Internet on September 3 of last year. The store’s owner claims that he was only selling internet time, at $6 and hour, and a chance to win sweepstakes. County detectives say there was no mention of the internet when they went in, undercover, only casino slots and card games.

The combined take from the four locations adds up to more than $22,000 in cash plus a total of 122 computers.

NBC News: Roanoke Co. Police detail reasons why they raided four Internet cafes

Four internet cafes in Roanoke County are at the center of a big investigation involving illegal gambling and money laundering. Search warrants were granted and an undercover operation was executed on Monday.

At the first business, a detective started with $20, played casino-style games and eventually won $82. At another business, an attendant made the detective sign a document explaining he was purchasing internet time and would be given free entries into a sweepstakes. The detective starting playing with $100 and left with only $13.

After a year-long investigation, police finally went in last week. This time they weren’t undercover. Over 120-computers, well over $22,000 and game cards were seized in the raid.

None of the business owners have been charged, but I spoke with two of them who maintain they were running a legitimate business and plan to fight the case.

Police are sifting through all the items taken from the internet cafes.

They say the investigation could take up to several weeks.

Australian internet entrepreneur Daniel Tzvetkoff was arrested in Las Vegas on Friday, and is being held on charges of money laundering and gambling conspiracy. Tzvetkoff founded an online payment processing company called Intabill a few years ago, but prosecutors allege that he used shell companies to cover up the source of more than $500 million in online gambling funds. Tzvetkoff faces 75 years in prison if convicted.

News.com.au: Fallen online tycoon Daniel Tzvetkoff faces 75 years jail

Internet entrepreneur Daniel Tzvetkoff is facing 75 years in a US prison after being charged with laundering $584 million. The 27-year-old was placed under arrest in Las Vegas on Friday and has been detained facing a bail hearing.

Ipswich-born Tzvetkoff made a mark for himself in 2008 when he founded the online payment processor Intabill, which helped US gamblers fund their online accounts. Because of his involvement with the company, Tzvetkoff faces charges of money laundering, gambling conspiracy and bank fraud conspiracy.

The US Attorney’s Office alleges that Tzvetkoff helped illegal internet gambling companies to launder about $540 million into offshore accounts. Tzvetkoff’s company duped US banks (which have bans on internet credit card gambling) into believing the gambling transactions were just ordinary transactions.

According to the indictment, Tzvetkoff even created dummy companies British Virgin Islands, complete with fake websites and random names, which were used to hide the source of funds he was processing.

ABC News: Businessmen charged over illegal online gambling transactions

United States authorities are charging former Queensland businessman Daniel Tzvetkoff with four offences relating to illegal online gambling money transactions. The 27-year-old entrepreneur was arrested in Las Vegas on Friday.

An indictment has already been presented to the Federal court in Manhattan, which is charging Tzvetkoff money laundering offences.

The US Justice Department alleges Tzvetkoff processed around $500 million in online transactions between US gamblers and internet gaming websites. The company disguised the financial data so the transactions appeared to be unrelated to gambling.

Tzvetkoff’s Las Vegas-based lawyer Mace Yampolsky says he appeared in court on Friday already, and that this initial apperance will continue on Wednesday.

“Obviously, right now, he’s pleading not guilty. He’s innocent until proven guilty,” Tzvetkoff’s laywer saidsaid.

“At this time, I have not seen any of the government’s proof.”

Reuters: U.S. charges Australian with laundering $500 mln

United States prosecutors arrested an Australian man in Las Vegas on Friday, and are holding him on charges of money laundering, alleging that he helped move funds between gamblers and illegal online gambling websites.

Daniel Tzvetkoff, 27, is being accused in a New York court of processing gambling proceeds and covering up their source, making them appear legal to banks. The operation has been running since early 2008.

Tzvetkoff created dozens of shell companies for use in his scheme, whcih he once wrote was “perfect,” prosecutors say.

Tzvetkoff is being charged on four counts, including bank fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to operate and finance an illegal gambling business. If convicted on all accounts, he faces up to 75 years in prison.

Australian internet entrepreneur Daniel Tzvetkoff was arrested in Las Vegas on Friday, and is being held on charges of money laundering and gambling conspiracy. Tzvetkoff founded an online payment processing company called Intabill a few years ago, but prosecutors allege that he used shell companies to cover up the source of more than $500 million in online gambling funds. Tzvetkoff faces 75 years in prison if convicted.

News.com.au: Fallen online tycoon Daniel Tzvetkoff faces 75 years jail

Internet entrepreneur Daniel Tzvetkoff is facing 75 years in a US prison after being charged with laundering $584 million. The 27-year-old was placed under arrest in Las Vegas on Friday and has been detained facing a bail hearing.

Ipswich-born Tzvetkoff made a mark for himself in 2008 when he founded the online payment processor Intabill, which helped US gamblers fund their online accounts. Because of his involvement with the company, Tzvetkoff faces charges of money laundering, gambling conspiracy and bank fraud conspiracy.

The US Attorney’s Office alleges that Tzvetkoff helped illegal internet gambling companies to launder about $540 million into offshore accounts. Tzvetkoff’s company duped US banks (which have bans on internet credit card gambling) into believing the gambling transactions were just ordinary transactions.

According to the indictment, Tzvetkoff even created dummy companies British Virgin Islands, complete with fake websites and random names, which were used to hide the source of funds he was processing.

ABC News: Businessmen charged over illegal online gambling transactions

United States authorities are charging former Queensland businessman Daniel Tzvetkoff with four offences relating to illegal online gambling money transactions. The 27-year-old entrepreneur was arrested in Las Vegas on Friday.

An indictment has already been presented to the Federal court in Manhattan, which is charging Tzvetkoff money laundering offences.

The US Justice Department alleges Tzvetkoff processed around $500 million in online transactions between US gamblers and internet gaming websites. The company disguised the financial data so the transactions appeared to be unrelated to gambling.

Tzvetkoff’s Las Vegas-based lawyer Mace Yampolsky says he appeared in court on Friday already, and that this initial apperance will continue on Wednesday.

“Obviously, right now, he’s pleading not guilty. He’s innocent until proven guilty,” Tzvetkoff’s laywer saidsaid.

“At this time, I have not seen any of the government’s proof.”

Reuters: U.S. charges Australian with laundering $500 mln

United States prosecutors arrested an Australian man in Las Vegas on Friday, and are holding him on charges of money laundering, alleging that he helped move funds between gamblers and illegal online gambling websites.

Daniel Tzvetkoff, 27, is being accused in a New York court of processing gambling proceeds and covering up their source, making them appear legal to banks. The operation has been running since early 2008.

Tzvetkoff created dozens of shell companies for use in his scheme, whcih he once wrote was “perfect,” prosecutors say.

Tzvetkoff is being charged on four counts, including bank fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to operate and finance an illegal gambling business. If convicted on all accounts, he faces up to 75 years in prison.

After trying to ban the online gambling industry from Australian’s, the government realized that it had made a mistake being that an estimated $790 million went out their window to offshore casinos. Knowing that’s there’s a high demand for the industry, the government is liable to break down restrictions and embrace it.

The Wall Street Journal: Analyst predicts online casino boom as governments seek taxes

The global financial crisis seems to be on its way out and could spark rapid growth in online gambling as governments remove bans and tax casinos. A report from KMPG predicts the global online betting market will grow by 42% to $32 billion by 2012.

The recent Productivity Commission draft report into online gaming urges deregulation of the industry, and repealing of restrictions on online betting as well as the removal of the ban on Australian companies operating cyber casinos.

Analysts guess that the long-term trend will be towards deregulation as prohibition clearly isn’t working. Australians have spent $790 million on offshore cyber casinos. The return of revenue to Australia and the potential for establishing an Australian-branded online casino would be a substantial boost for local players.

The Sydney Morning Herald: Online bets on track for legalisation

According to accounting firm KPMG, new laws allowing gaming companies to offer online gambling in Australia are ”inevitable,” as the federal government stands to benefit from the tax revenue of a rapidly growing industry.

According to the Productivity Commission, Australians spent $790 million on online gambling through overseas sites in 2008. The commission’s recent draft report on gambling concluded that, ”While illegal and invisible in official records, online gaming appears to have grown very rapidly, and could amount to 4 per cent of gambling expenditure.”

The commission recommended the government liberalize online gaming, allowing Australian companies to provide internet poker and casino games to local customers. Online wagering and sports betting is already permitted.

Many inside the Australian industry believe it is unlikely the government will move to liberalize online gambling during an election year. However, the idea does have the support of some anti-gambling figures who say legalizing the service would enable authorities to better control it and protect problem gamblers, who are already gambling online through overseas sites.

Australian Associated Press: Online gambling ‘to double by 2012’

A new report suggests that Australia stands to rake in the dollars if it relaxes online gambling restrictions. Australians are estimated to spend around $790 million playing poker and other casino games through offshore websites in 2008. Predictions indicate that the industry will double in size by 2012.

The estimate gives weight to calls for Australia to rethink its prohibition of online gambling, due to the fact that it’s obviously not effective. A wealth of revenue is there to be made if Australia can shape and expand the market, which is set to explode given technological advances in mobile phones and other devices.

Australia could harness the revenue spent at offshore sites by relaxed restrictions, a practice that other governments, including the United States, have been working towards. A federal Productivity Commission draft report has recommended the government consider regulated access to local gaming sites, rather than all-out prohibition.

After trying to ban the online gambling industry from Australian’s, the government realized that it had made a mistake being that an estimated $790 million went out their window to offshore casinos. Knowing that’s there’s a high demand for the industry, the government is liable to break down restrictions and embrace it.

The Wall Street Journal: Analyst predicts online casino boom as governments seek taxes

The global financial crisis seems to be on its way out and could spark rapid growth in online gambling as governments remove bans and tax casinos. A report from KMPG predicts the global online betting market will grow by 42% to $32 billion by 2012.

The recent Productivity Commission draft report into online gaming urges deregulation of the industry, and repealing of restrictions on online betting as well as the removal of the ban on Australian companies operating cyber casinos.

Analysts guess that the long-term trend will be towards deregulation as prohibition clearly isn’t working. Australians have spent $790 million on offshore cyber casinos. The return of revenue to Australia and the potential for establishing an Australian-branded online casino would be a substantial boost for local players.

The Sydney Morning Herald: Online bets on track for legalisation

According to accounting firm KPMG, new laws allowing gaming companies to offer online gambling in Australia are ”inevitable,” as the federal government stands to benefit from the tax revenue of a rapidly growing industry.

According to the Productivity Commission, Australians spent $790 million on online gambling through overseas sites in 2008. The commission’s recent draft report on gambling concluded that, ”While illegal and invisible in official records, online gaming appears to have grown very rapidly, and could amount to 4 per cent of gambling expenditure.”

The commission recommended the government liberalize online gaming, allowing Australian companies to provide internet poker and casino games to local customers. Online wagering and sports betting is already permitted.

Many inside the Australian industry believe it is unlikely the government will move to liberalize online gambling during an election year. However, the idea does have the support of some anti-gambling figures who say legalizing the service would enable authorities to better control it and protect problem gamblers, who are already gambling online through overseas sites.

Australian Associated Press: Online gambling ‘to double by 2012’

A new report suggests that Australia stands to rake in the dollars if it relaxes online gambling restrictions. Australians are estimated to spend around $790 million playing poker and other casino games through offshore websites in 2008. Predictions indicate that the industry will double in size by 2012.

The estimate gives weight to calls for Australia to rethink its prohibition of online gambling, due to the fact that it’s obviously not effective. A wealth of revenue is there to be made if Australia can shape and expand the market, which is set to explode given technological advances in mobile phones and other devices.

Australia could harness the revenue spent at offshore sites by relaxed restrictions, a practice that other governments, including the United States, have been working towards. A federal Productivity Commission draft report has recommended the government consider regulated access to local gaming sites, rather than all-out prohibition.

In South Korea, playing video games professionally is equivalent to playing physical sports at a pro level in other parts of the world. And like the pro sports world, this e-sports world is not immune to scandal. Recent accusations of match fixing and illegal betting involving players, coaches, and organizers have the country’s computer gaming world in an uproar.

GamePron: StarCraft cheating scandal rocks Korea

The largest scandal in online computer gaming history is now unfolding in South Korea, with information surfacing that a several pro gamers are involved in match fixing and illegal gambling.

It seems that certain professional gamers are being accused intentionally losing matches, and of leaking their team’s replay files to various underground gambling organizations.

The teams involved punishing any members involved in the scandal, even going so far as asking serious cheaters to retire from the game.

Korean sources say the problems began as early as 2006 when betting began contacting certain players, asking them to rig games. It appears that several people with past ties to professional gaming offered their contact lists to the gamblers.

It has further been alleged that certain game organizers knew about the situation, but their attempts to control it only pushed the illegal businesses going further underground. Organizers even considered co-conspiring with the illegal betting sites.

It’s only a matter of time before some pro gamers will find themselves without a job.

NeoSeeker: Huge match-fixing scandal rocks world of South Korean StarCraft

A huge scandal seems to have hit the world of e-sports South Korea. PC gaming, especially on an old strategy game called StarCraft, is huge business in South Korea, where PC gaming is one of the dominant format of entertainment in the internet-loving country.

The recent scandal involves match-fixing in the world of professional StarCraft player. Games have allegedly been rigged for money. This is practice is not uncommon in the world of regular sports, but this is the first report of this sort of thing hitting professional gaming world.

It’s not just players who were involved, apparently. Fingers are also being pointed at journalists, match organizers and coaches.

A list of player suspected of being involved has leaked to the internet, and it includes one of the most well-known players in the StarCraft world: Ja Mae Yoon, who goes by the name sAvior.

IncGamers: E-Sport History’s Biggest Scandal

Not everyone can relate to the idea of a scandal revolving around computer games, but electronic gaming general – and StarCraft in particular – is the South Korean equivalent of the physical sports culture in the West. And much like pro spots in Europe and America, illegal betting and accusations of teams throwing games is tearing at the fabric of the Korean e-gaming community.

During the past week, widespread and systematic betting scandal has been uncovered. Several famous pro-gamers and coaches seem to be involved. Some game organizers are being accused of knowing about the problem, and they have apparently tried to fix things by trying to co-existing with the illegal betting operation.

Koreans gaming forums all across the internet have exploded with talk about the situation. Details are still being revealed, but hopefully the situation will resolve itself in a mature fashion rather than ending up as a physical confrontation in the real world.

In South Korea, playing video games professionally is equivalent to playing physical sports at a pro level in other parts of the world. And like the pro sports world, this e-sports world is not immune to scandal. Recent accusations of match fixing and illegal betting involving players, coaches, and organizers have the country’s computer gaming world in an uproar.

GamePron: StarCraft cheating scandal rocks Korea

The largest scandal in online computer gaming history is now unfolding in South Korea, with information surfacing that a several pro gamers are involved in match fixing and illegal gambling.

It seems that certain professional gamers are being accused intentionally losing matches, and of leaking their team’s replay files to various underground gambling organizations.

The teams involved punishing any members involved in the scandal, even going so far as asking serious cheaters to retire from the game.

Korean sources say the problems began as early as 2006 when betting began contacting certain players, asking them to rig games. It appears that several people with past ties to professional gaming offered their contact lists to the gamblers.

It has further been alleged that certain game organizers knew about the situation, but their attempts to control it only pushed the illegal businesses going further underground. Organizers even considered co-conspiring with the illegal betting sites.

It’s only a matter of time before some pro gamers will find themselves without a job.

NeoSeeker: Huge match-fixing scandal rocks world of South Korean StarCraft

A huge scandal seems to have hit the world of e-sports South Korea. PC gaming, especially on an old strategy game called StarCraft, is huge business in South Korea, where PC gaming is one of the dominant format of entertainment in the internet-loving country.

The recent scandal involves match-fixing in the world of professional StarCraft player. Games have allegedly been rigged for money. This is practice is not uncommon in the world of regular sports, but this is the first report of this sort of thing hitting professional gaming world.

It’s not just players who were involved, apparently. Fingers are also being pointed at journalists, match organizers and coaches.

A list of player suspected of being involved has leaked to the internet, and it includes one of the most well-known players in the StarCraft world: Ja Mae Yoon, who goes by the name sAvior.

IncGamers: E-Sport History’s Biggest Scandal

Not everyone can relate to the idea of a scandal revolving around computer games, but electronic gaming general – and StarCraft in particular – is the South Korean equivalent of the physical sports culture in the West. And much like pro spots in Europe and America, illegal betting and accusations of teams throwing games is tearing at the fabric of the Korean e-gaming community.

During the past week, widespread and systematic betting scandal has been uncovered. Several famous pro-gamers and coaches seem to be involved. Some game organizers are being accused of knowing about the problem, and they have apparently tried to fix things by trying to co-existing with the illegal betting operation.

Koreans gaming forums all across the internet have exploded with talk about the situation. Details are still being revealed, but hopefully the situation will resolve itself in a mature fashion rather than ending up as a physical confrontation in the real world.

Gambling revenue in the great gambling state of Nevada has been all over the place over the last couple of months, but most notably in the gutter relative to the past. I bit of hope has once again been pumped into the system in that February gambling resulted in revenue gains being in the double digits.

The Associated Press: Nevada casino winnings jump 14 percent in February

According to casino regulators, special events in February attracted gamblers to the Las Vegas Strip and helped push statewide gambling winnings up almost 14%. The Gaming Control Board said casinos’ winnings went up to $946.6 million, compared with last year’s $831 million.

The increase was driven by the Strip, where casinos won around $568 million. It’s the largest increase in casino wins on the Strip since November 1999. February’s statewide posting is the largest monthly casino win increase since December 2006 and the first double-digit increase since July 2007. Las Vegas Strip casinos account for roughly 50 percent of statewide gambling revenues.

Casinos in northern Nevada’s Washoe County reported winning $60.9 million, up 2.7 percent for the first monthly increase in 32 months, Streshley said. In Reno, the $43.9 million was an increase of 4 percent.

Reuters: Casino shares up as Nevada gaming revenues rise

MGM Mirage and other casino operators’ shares shot above their year highs on Thursday after Nevada posted a double-digit percentage increase in gaming revenues for February.

On Thursday, The Nevada Gaming Control Board announced that total gaming revenues were up to $946.6 million in February, up 13.9% from the same month a year ago. Gaming revenues on the Las Vegas Strip came to nearly $568 million for the month, up 32.9% from the year earlier.

In a note to clients J.P. Morgan analyst, Joseph Greff, said:”We think results were helped by the timing of Chinese New Year,” which was celebrated in February this year as opposed to January for last year.

MGM Mirage shares were up 8.8 percent to $14.53, above their previous 52-week high of $14.25. Rival Las Vegas Sands gained 5.9 percent to $24.29 and Wynn Resorts shares were up 5.4 percent to $86.04.

Bloomberg Business Week: Las Vegas Strip Casino Revenue Soared 33% in February

Las Vegas Strip gambling revenue jumped 33% in February as baccarat play by Chinese New Year’s revelers boosted winnings. Strip revenue hit $568 million from $427.4 million in 2009 according to Nevada’s Gaming Control Board.

All Nevada’s casino revenue climbed 14% to $946.6 million. Monthly proceeds for Clark County, which includes downtown Las Vegas as well as the Strip, grew 16% to $827.8 million. The Chinese New Year is an important event in Las Vegas because visitors stay longer and spend more than average.

MGM Mirage jumped $1.38, or 10%, to $14.73 at 4:15 p.m. in the New York Stock Exchange composite trading, the biggest advance since September. Las Vegas Sands gained $1.30, or 5.7%, to $24.23. Wynn Resorts Ltd. added $4.57, or 5.6%, to $86.23 on the Nasdaq.

Gambling revenue in the great gambling state of Nevada has been all over the place over the last couple of months, but most notably in the gutter relative to the past. I bit of hope has once again been pumped into the system in that February gambling resulted in revenue gains being in the double digits.

The Associated Press: Nevada casino winnings jump 14 percent in February

According to casino regulators, special events in February attracted gamblers to the Las Vegas Strip and helped push statewide gambling winnings up almost 14%. The Gaming Control Board said casinos’ winnings went up to $946.6 million, compared with last year’s $831 million.

The increase was driven by the Strip, where casinos won around $568 million. It’s the largest increase in casino wins on the Strip since November 1999. February’s statewide posting is the largest monthly casino win increase since December 2006 and the first double-digit increase since July 2007. Las Vegas Strip casinos account for roughly 50 percent of statewide gambling revenues.

Casinos in northern Nevada’s Washoe County reported winning $60.9 million, up 2.7 percent for the first monthly increase in 32 months, Streshley said. In Reno, the $43.9 million was an increase of 4 percent.

Reuters: Casino shares up as Nevada gaming revenues rise

MGM Mirage and other casino operators’ shares shot above their year highs on Thursday after Nevada posted a double-digit percentage increase in gaming revenues for February.

On Thursday, The Nevada Gaming Control Board announced that total gaming revenues were up to $946.6 million in February, up 13.9% from the same month a year ago. Gaming revenues on the Las Vegas Strip came to nearly $568 million for the month, up 32.9% from the year earlier.

In a note to clients J.P. Morgan analyst, Joseph Greff, said:”We think results were helped by the timing of Chinese New Year,” which was celebrated in February this year as opposed to January for last year.

MGM Mirage shares were up 8.8 percent to $14.53, above their previous 52-week high of $14.25. Rival Las Vegas Sands gained 5.9 percent to $24.29 and Wynn Resorts shares were up 5.4 percent to $86.04.

Bloomberg Business Week: Las Vegas Strip Casino Revenue Soared 33% in February

Las Vegas Strip gambling revenue jumped 33% in February as baccarat play by Chinese New Year’s revelers boosted winnings. Strip revenue hit $568 million from $427.4 million in 2009 according to Nevada’s Gaming Control Board.

All Nevada’s casino revenue climbed 14% to $946.6 million. Monthly proceeds for Clark County, which includes downtown Las Vegas as well as the Strip, grew 16% to $827.8 million. The Chinese New Year is an important event in Las Vegas because visitors stay longer and spend more than average.

MGM Mirage jumped $1.38, or 10%, to $14.73 at 4:15 p.m. in the New York Stock Exchange composite trading, the biggest advance since September. Las Vegas Sands gained $1.30, or 5.7%, to $24.23. Wynn Resorts Ltd. added $4.57, or 5.6%, to $86.23 on the Nasdaq.