Alright guys, apologizes for the not getting out the recap sooner, but better late than never as they say!

This week we reported that, Illinois Wants Creation of iGaming, the state is hoping to become a leader in regulating online poker, as stated by Senate President John Cullerton, “Certain forms of iGaming, especially poker, rely on large pools of potential players, and states that move swiftly to design a system that captures the widest audience of participants will have an advantage in terms of long-range success.”

Also Delaware lawmakers are prepared to engage in a debate over a proposal the casino industry says is desperately needed, at a hearing before the House Gaming and Parimutuels Committee Thursday, Delaware Secretary of Finance Tom Cook outlined provisions of the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act of 2012 (House Bill 333).

32red, winner of numerous awards throughout the years wins another legal battle against California company Baysound LLC over the 32x.com domain. This is the second trademark dispute the British operator has won, the first was against William Hill over the 32 Vegas and 32V domains.

The eGR awards took place this month honoring the top companies in the online gaming industry and the big winner of the night was none other than Playtech. The online casinos software provider took home four big awards, Best Poker Network, Best Bingo Network, Best Slots Provider and partner company Mobenga walked away with Best Mobile Provider.

Now onto some big wins, game releases and top bonuses of the week that you need to know about! The “Big Shot Shoutout” was Evelyn W., who won US$ 52,125 at Royal Vegas, but Evelyn was not the only winner this week, here is a list of other online casino winners:

Amber T. won US $25, 620 at Platinum Play on the AWP Treasure Island game
Kali F won on the progressive Cash Splash a whopping US$18,788 Platinum Play
Andrew H won US$ 16,177 playing video poker bonus deuces wild at Royal Vegas

Now onto some exclusive bonuses for all you lucky players, Party the night away as bet365 is treating its Bingoheads once again by hosting a fantastic £100,000 Party Night from 18:00 UK Time on Friday 25th May.

Also, bet365 is offering its Games players a brilliant 25% Reload Bonus. All you have to do is deposit/transfer £20 or more to your account on 23rd May and you’ll receive the 25% boost, worth up to £100.

And if that is not enough from one of our top approved online casinos then, WAIT, there’s more! Why not take some Free Chips are On The House and you will get the chance to receive a terrific rebate of 25% on 24th and 31st May as bet365 once again hosts its popular On The House promotion. To enjoy this superb opportunity, you simply need to Opt In and play your favourite casino games. Your 25% rebate, worth up to £250, provides a fantastic chance to boost your balance and get free chips added to your account On The House!

And now I’m going to turn it over to J.Todd and the Perspective’s Weekly for the week as he reports on the possibility that N.J. Governor Chris Christie’s could once again veto online gambling legislation, the acquisition of Cake Poker and how it will/can affect the poker rooms on the network and bwin.party’s plan to enter the California market.

Reported by Maggie B.

This weeks “Big Shot Shoutout” goes to Evelyn W., as an avid online slots player, Evelyn decided to try her luck at our approved online casino Royal Vegas a few days ago, she made her deposit and chose to play the “feature slot” of the week and won a huge payout of US$ 52,125!

At the time, Royal Vegas‘ “feature slot” was none other than the Microgaming powered Rhyming Reels Old King Cole. With a brand new twist on an old favorite, Rhyming Reels featuring Old King Cole, is chock-full of features like Free Spins, generous Multipliers, a double Wild and offers a gamble offering where players can wager on card and colour to double or quadruple winnings.

Evelyn was more than thrilled with the win as she couldn’t stop smiling and we are so happy for her, we are sure she will have a great kick off to her summer now that there is some extra cash to spend.

Congratulations on your win BIG Evelyn!

About Royal Vegas

Royal Vegas online casino has been online and paying winners since 2000, with over 400 casino games, currently a $1200 free sign up bonus, progressive jackpots and 24/365 live chat and support, players can feel safe, secure while enjoying fantastic games powered by Microgaming.

Reported by Maggie B.

If I was to give you $5 bucks would you take it? If I were you I would, so why not take $5 from bet365 and go play some online poker on the house?

If you want your $5 from bet365, head on over, open a poker account and get your $5 Free! You don’t even need to make a deposit/transfer to claim your cash!

Simply open an account and create a Nickname, the $5 credited to your account and then you can head straight to the tables and start playing poker.

BTW, bet365 is still offering some other great perks to all new poker players, you can enjoy the benefit of their fantastic $1,000 New Player Bonus.

Which is a 200% bonus on the amount of your first deposit/transfer up to a maximum of $1,000.

Also, when you make your first deposit/transfer to poker, your account will automatically be credited with a free Tournament Token for our €100 new depositor Freeroll. This event is an excellent opportunity to boost your bankroll.

To learn more about bet365 checkout our review or simply know that bet365 is one of the world’s largest online gambling, winning numerous awards, 2010 and 2011, bet365 came top in eGaming Review’s Annual Power 50!

Reported by Maggie B.

Have you been dreaming of participating in the 43rd World Series of Poker? Well WAKE UP to Intertops SERIES 2012 Side Event 56 and receive a a $3,000 prize package that includes, $1,500 travel & accommodation and $1,500 Side Event #56 buy-in.

This 3 day event is scheduled for 2nd July 2012 and will be held in the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Players can either qualify for this Side Event tournament by progressing through the satellites, or by buying in directly to one of our Guaranteed Finals.

Here is a break down of more details to help you qualify:

Each final will have a buy-in of $150 +$10, they will play twice in May and they will qualify players to the $1,500 No Limit Hold’em Side Event (#56) in Vegas. There will be a minimum of one $3,000 package GTD in each final.

Satellites started on the 30th April 2012, with the first final playing on the 13th of May at 10pm ET (The last Final will be played on the 27th May 2012 at 10pm ET).

Series 2012 Side Event Final – Buy-in $150+$10 – 1 x $3000 Package to the WSOP 2012 Side Event #56 Guaranteed
Series 2012 Side Event Final Satellite – Buy-in $50+$5 – Plays each Saturday before the Final at 09:00PM ET – 1 Seat GTD
Daily Satellites Freezout – Buy-in $15+$1 – Plays daily at 08:00PM ET and 11:00PM ET – 1 Seat GTD
Daily Satellites Re-buy – Buy-in $8+$0.8 – Plays daily at 07:00PM ET and 10:00PM ET – 1 Seat GTD

Remember to read the terms & conditions and “play smart from the start!”

Login or register and open an Intertops account to qualify!

Reported by Maggie B.

Happy Freaky Friday poker players, this is just a quick note to let you guys know that Intertops is having a couple great weekend tourneys for you guys. So if your looking for some tournament action, then Intertops Poker always deals a winning hand!

Check this out:

Intertops Weekend Tournaments
Friday, 18th May (9:00 pm EST): Intertops $500 Freeroll Tournament

Saturday, 19th May (09:00 pm EST): Intertops $500 Guaranteed 1R&1A Tournament

Sunday, 20th May (6:59 pm EST): Intertops $500 Freeroll Tournament

I’ll be back in the morning to report on more online poker news, for now enjoy and have some fun on Intertops!

If your new to Intertops then here’s what you can get,

Intertops will give you a 110% up to $600 Deposit Bonus.

110% up to $600 Deposit Bonus

It couldn’t be any easier! Make your first-ever real money deposit using the bonus code ‘600ITP‘ and we will give you a 110% Deposit Bonus up to $600!

The bonus is paid out in $5 increments and will be credited to your account directly upon fulfilling the Frequent Player Point demands (FPPs). You need to collect 83.335 FPP for every $5 increment.

To view your bonus details, along with all your real money account details, please log on to our client and proceed via the Cashier tab. All bonus funds are listed under the Pending Bonus section of your account.

How to get your deposit bonus in three easy steps

1. Open up the Intertops poker client, log in and click on ‘Cashier’.
2. Choose your deposit option – if you need assistance, please click on the ‘Live Help’ button.
3. After you have made your deposit, click the ‘Bonus Code’ button, enter your bonus code and click the ‘Redeem Bonus’ button. The bonus is immediately available on your account and can be viewed under ‘My Account’ – ‘Bonus Details’.

View the terms and conditions and remember “play smart from the start!”

Reported by Maggie B.

Under the The Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act of 2012, the state is seeking to allow internet gambling in addition to expanding land based gaming.

At a hearing before the House Gaming and Parimutuels Committee Thursday, Delaware Secretary of Finance Tom Cook outlined provisions of the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act of 2012 (House Bill 333). Cook said the plan, first discussed back in March, could result in 100 locations for Keno to be created during Fiscal Year 2013.

Also, 20 locations would be allowed to offer sports wagering which is currently limited to the three existing racinos. The Delaware Lottery would be able to sell products such as scratch-off games, Powerball tickets and Mega-Millions tickets online. Casino-style games such as blackjack and slots would also be available online.

“Gaming revenue has been impacted significantly by competition over the years,” Cook said.

The House Gaming and Parimutuels Committee cleared House Bill 333 for floor debate after hearing assurances from industry experts about the security of online gambling and the controls available to keep underage residents from accessing online games.

According to Melissa Blau, CEO of online gambling provider Live Gaming Technology, “The concerns around player protection, specifically underage gambling, can be mitigated and almost eliminated.” “The prevention of underage gambling is not only achievable, it’s something that’s been attained.”

“Delaware can create a safe environment,” said Melissa Blau, a gaming technology expert with extensive experience in Europe.

“Online gaming is coming. It’s coming across this country,” said chief sponsor of HB 333, Representative John Viola (D-Newark). “We need to decide if we’re on board or not. Do we want to regulate it, or don’t want to regulate it.”

Reported by Maggie B.

In the world of gaming entertainment Las Vegas’ Boyd Gaming, operator of 17 gaming entertainment porperties, is looking to expand with the acquisition of Peninsula Gaming by Boyd Gaming.

Boyd Gaming, one of the premier casino entertainment companies in the US, has announced this past Tuesday that it has purchased in the tune of $1.45billion, Peninsula Gaming in a move that will Strengthen Boyd Gaming’s Financial Profile and Drive Growth; Expands Geographic Diversity and Increases Scale.

“Acquiring Peninsula Gaming is a transformative transaction that fits perfectly into our growth strategy by expanding our company’s scale, diversifying our platform, strengthening our financial profile and generating meaningful value for our shareholders,” said Keith Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer for Boyd Gaming.

“The Peninsula properties are a strong fit for us as they are well-managed and operate in resilient markets in the Midwest and South. We anticipate this transaction will be immediately accretive to earnings and significantly increase our free cash flow.

“We are paying an attractive multiple for high-quality high-margin assets. The properties operate in locations with limited gaming supply and stable tax and regulatory environments, resulting in attractive earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization margins. Their management teams have considerable knowledge of their markets and have shown they are able to operate efficiently without compromising the guest experience.”

Headquartered in Las Vegas, Boyd Gaming Corporation is a leading diversified owner and operator of 17 gaming entertainment properties located in Nevada, New Jersey, Mississippi, Illinois, Indiana, and Louisiana.

Reported by Maggie B.

Okay all you poker players out there, just a reminder that if you have been playing in the Intertops $40,000 Diamond Mine Tournament Series, the events are still occurring until the May 31st.

From now until the end of this month any 2012 series Gold Card will get you a ticket into our Diamond Mine which finds you at the end of a $10,000 final tournament!

Intertops has set some requirements, here’s a little friendly reminder of the rules:

1. Play in all tournaments from Event 1 through Event 13 and receive entry into our $10,000 Flawless Freeroll.
Remember, only players who participate in all 13 tournaments will receive an entry*!
2. There is a second way in of course! By placing in the Top 4 in any of our Diamond Mine events, you’ll gain an entry as well.
3. Make it all the way up to the Final Event for your shot at a piece of $10,000!
4. Each tournament has its own cash prize pool, as well as seats for the next stage of the Diamond Mine Tournament Series.
5. Look for the Diamond Mine tournaments located in the Gold section of the tournament lobby.
6. All Diamond Mine tournaments take place at 8:00pm EST (00:00am GMT).

If you do not win a seat to the next event in the series you can always check The Exchange and purchase the cards needed to buy directly into to any event you choose, except for the $5,000 Final and the Flawless Freeroll.

*Only players who participate in each of the first 13 events will receive entry to the Flawless Freeroll.

Qualifiers runs 15th May 2012 to 27rd May 2012. Reg Opens 24 hours prior to start for ALL tourneys.

Players must participate in every one of the previous 13 MTTs for a Ticket, 2d thru Ad or Place in the top four of any Diamond Mine tourney.

Just another friendly little reminder to read the operators T&C’s and “play smart from the start!”

Reported by Maggie B.

Chicago Democrat, Senate President John Cullerton, is introducing legislation that would create a Division of Internet Gaming within the state lottery.

In an effort to gain Illinois worldwide popularity, Senate President John Cullerton stated this past Tuesday in his letter addressed to fellow legislative leaders and Gov. Pat Quinn,

“Certain forms of iGaming, especially poker, rely on large pools of potential players, and states that move swiftly to design a system that captures the widest audience of participants will have an advantage in terms of long-range success,” Cullerton wrote. The goal is to make the state nimble enough to adjust to new Internet gambling approaches.”

Illinois should move quickly to establish itself as an international leader in online poker and other types of Internet gambling, state Senate President John Cullerton said Tuesday, claiming the payoff could amount to hundreds of millions of dollars.

Cullerton hopes that before lawmakers leave the state the Web gambling idea will pass, but no everyone is onboard with the Senate President.

“If you allow Internet poker to be sanctioned by the state of Illinois, there are a whole lot of questions that need to be answered,” said Patty Schuh, spokeswoman for Senate Republican leader Christine Radogno of Lemont. “Being first isn’t necessarily a good thing.”

According to reports, the Chicago Democrat is urging the approval of his proposed bill in the current legislative session, which is scheduled to end on May 31, in order to qualify under a measure pending in the United States Senate that would only permit states with a regulatory framework in place to offer Internet gambling.

However, Quinn and his office have maintained that lawmakers must focus on reining in the costs of health care for the poor and public employee pensions.

Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, said he is preparing to move forward with a proposed expansion of casino gambling that also would add slot machines at racetracks, but this is idea that Quinn has opposed.

Reported by Maggie B.

As live casinos are increasingly growing popular within the online gaming industry, bwin has partnered with Evolution Gaming to entertain its Italian players with Evolution’s Venezia Roulette and Ventuno Blackjack live casino games, both hosted by native Italian speaking professional dealers.

Southern European Director for bwin Paolo Di Feo had the following comments, ‘bwin enjoys an extremely strong brand presence in Italy, the Evolution Live Casino platform was the natural choice for bwin as it gives us the opportunity to further strengthen our brand in this local market with dedicated tables and native speaking dealers from day one.

The Evolution services we have selected also give us full flexibility to serve high volumes of online players as we continue to grow our share of the Italian online gaming market.’

“As the first Live Casino fully approved by AAMS, Evolution has led the online Live Casino market in Italy from the very beginning. We’re now delighted to have been selected by yet another key global brand, and to be able to offer bwin the flexibility of branding and service they desire.

bwin has now gone live with one of the most comprehensive sets of Live Casino services available in Italy, which opens up enormously exciting opportunities for them,” concluded Gionata La Torre, CEO of Evolution Italy.

In other bwin news, the online operator in association with Euroleague Basketball, has launched a unique iPad app providing fans, players and coaches with an unparalleled source of tactical analysis and interactive content on Europe’s most prestigious professional club basketball competition.

“With the development of this app we wanted to bring something genuinely new and valuable to the thousands of Euroleague followers. Like sports betters, basketball fans have a natural affinity with tactics and statistics and this app provides pro-level analysis to enhance their game. This fits perfectly with our strategy to build long-term integrated partnerships,” said Thomas Priglinger, Director of Mobile, Touch and Video at bwin.

“The development of this cutting edge app is a great example of the innovation and commitment that bwin brings to Euroleague,” concluded Roser Queraltó, Chief Business Development Officer at Euroleague Basketball.

Reported by Maggie B.