Inside Asian Gaming

December 2016 inside asian gaming 45 covering all of the scandals, midnight suspensions of markets and more. “The most divisive election in history has also proved to be one of the most volatile. While many expected Hillary to walk away with the keys to the White House, we were happy to take her on and that has paid off. The further Trump [won] by the better for us.” INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS willingly agreed to use the brand of cards requested by the pair at the time. “This decision makes no sense to me,” Ivey said following the ruling. “The trial judge said that I was not dishonest and the three appeal judges agreed but somehow the decision has gone against me. Can someone tell me how you can have honest cheating? I’d like to add that I am very grateful to Lady Justice Sharp who decided that the trial judge was ‘wrong’ to decide that I had cheated.” Ivey’s lawyer, Matthew Dowd, added, “The Court of Appeal’s decision leaves the law totally unclear as to what constitutes cheating at gambling. Four judges have looked at this issue now and none of them have been able to agree on the correct interpretation of section 42 of the Gambling Act. “It is essential that the law is clarified and in light of today’s decision we are seeking permission to appeal to the Supreme Court.” More skill-based titles on the way Poker pro runs bad in edge sorting verdict He is widely renowned as the world’s best poker player, but Phil Ivey’s luck hasn’t translated to casino games after he lost his long- running bid to recover £7.8 million he won playing baccarat at London’s Crockfords Casino in 2012. Barely a week after losing a similar case against the Borgata in Atlantic City after winning US$10 million in the same year as his England adventure, a London judge has again ruled against Ivey – claiming his use of a technique called edge sorting “amounted to cheating.” Ivey and his playing partner Cheung Yin Sun were able to identify small defects on the backs of the playing cards used to give themselves an edge, although there has been widespread debate over who was at fault given that both Crockfords and Borgata US company GameCo has announced an agreement to develop a range of skill-based games centred around three of the world’s most famous movie titles – “Mission: Impossible”, “Paranormal Activity” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” It was only two months ago, in late September, that GameCo launched at Caesars Entertainment properties in Atlantic City, making it the first skill-based gaming company in the world to debut its product on casino floors. The company’s video game gambling machines (VGMs) are now placed in prominent locations at all three Atlantic City Caesars Entertainment properties, with three triple-unit carousels at Caesars, two at Harrah’s Resort and two at Bally’s Wild Wild West. They will now be followed by GameCo’s latest range, which will include a racing game based on the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, a hidden object game themed to “Paranormal Activity,” and a platformer experience adapted from the cult classic comedy, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” The patented VGM gambling platform allows a player’s skill to determine the payout and winnings. “We’re thrilled to be working with Paramount to bring these brands to the casino floor,” said GameCo CEO Blaine Graboyes. “Video game gambling addresses the largest opportunity for casinos and studios in attracting the next generation of gamers. At GameCo, our vision is to create a VIP experience for gamers. Brands like ‘Mission: Impossible’, ‘Paranormal Activity’ and ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ speak to my generation that grew up with these films and love playing video games.”