New Online Gambling Firms Get Regulatory Seal of Approval
The four "tier one" online gambling Web sites, including, Pacific Poker www.pacificpoker.com , a developer of random logic software;
Colosseum Poker www.colosseumpoker.com , a maker of microgaming software;
Wildjack Poker http://poker.wildjack.com , a maker of microgaming software;
Big Dollar Casino www.bigdollar.com , also a developer of microgaming software.
“Professional interest in improving business through better and more player-sensitive operational conduct continues to attract applicants,” Andrew Beveridge, the CEO of eCOGRA said. “Several significant online gambling operations are currently undergoing our acceptance inspection process and we hope to make further announcements before the end of the year. The initiative remains open to all online gambling software providers and licensees prepared to commit to the eCOGRA principals and requirements for better service and player protection.”
Voluntary Initiative
Since eCOGRA commenced its voluntary initiative in 2003, some 21 well-established and quality online poker rooms and 90 online casino sites operated by some of the largest and most successful business groups in the industry bear the “Play It Safe” seal, which assures players of fair games and efficient and responsive treatment.
The news comes as the London-based organization has also offered to lend its regulatory experience to the U.K. Department of Culture, Media and Sport, which recently sponsored a summit on Internet gambling, and is aiming to become the world's hot spot of legalized online gambling.
“It is in the best interests of the industry, which provides employment and revenues worldwide, that it is recognized and regulated by national laws and we want to continue to offer our support for what the U.K. is doing in this area," said Beveridge. "Our experience is that this is the way to protect the players, enhance their experience and ensure fair play is provided by responsible and regulated operators. The leading sites that bear our seal are presently able to demonstrate that they offer responsible gambling to the many millions who play online every day.”
The company is willing to advise the U.K. government on all areas of player protection and fair gaming, as well as on the processes required to effectively monitor and certify Internet gaming sites. The firm's independent board of directors - Bill Galston, ex-chief inspector of the Gaming Board for Great Britain, Michael Hirst, ex chairman Hilton International and Frank Catania, ex Assistant Attorney General, Director New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, have unrivalled experience in what is still considered a maturing industry.
Once approved, Internet sites must continue to adhere to the organization’s eGAP or eCOGRA Generally Accepted Practices (GAP), or risk losing the seal - ensuring greater continued protection for players. Regulatory areas covered in the eGAP include continuous testing to ensure fairness of the software, responsible operator conduct and measures to limit underage and problem gambling.
Beveridge said eCOGRA has entered into agreements with other regulatory authorities, including, Kahnawake, Malta and the Philippines and is in negotiations with several others to have certain aspects of its seal of approval process recognised in lieu of local regulations.
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