The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) have made changes to internet advertising regulations in a move that could affect a number of online gambling companies servicing the UK market. The new rules, released today, concern online behavioral advertising (OBA) and relate to the general public. Ad networks must now make clear that adverts have been behaviorally targeted, by putting an icon in the corner of ads. They will also have to allow consumers to opt-out of receiving the targeted ads. OBAs are basically ads that use web viewing behavior information collected by web browsers to deliver targeted ads that will be of interested to each individual person. You only need peruse the advertising policy of the likes of Zynga to see that companies in the industry have been taking it seriously for some time and the impact it has on gambling advertisers remains to be seen.
Bonza Gaming has become the third company to release a real-money gaming option on Facebook. The Sportingbet and Plumbee joint venture follows in the footsteps of Gamesys and 888 with the firm releasing Bonza Slots with a total of five Net Entertainment games. That comes after an exclusive deal was signed with NetEnt that sees them contribute Facebook-optimised versions of their most popular games. Rick Brownlow, CEO of Bonza, commented: “We are delighted to have partnered with Net Entertainment who after a thorough supplier selection process was the clear winner, and the supplier which could provide our venture with Facebook the best long term strategic value and stability. We are now focused on delivering a successful commercial launch, and with our combined knowledge and experience, I am very positive and excited about this long term partnership.”
Real-money social gaming platform Betable has signed a deal with Canadian developer Frima Studios. Betable, famous for its tie ups with UK facing social firms, is based in San Francisco and will use its expertise to power Frima’s recently inaugurated real-money gaming division entitled 3OAK and based in Quebec. Commenting on the deal, Mikael Lefebvre, director at 3OAK, stated: “They’ve already secured legality, which is a blessing to us. It makes our life much easier.”
Sportech subsidiary eBet Technologies has lauched a new Internet wagering site at a racetrack in New York State. The company has initiated the new Internet system at the Batavia Downs track in association with the owners Western Regional Off-Track betting Corporations/Batavia Downs of New York State. It means that players can place bets at the BataviaBets site (www.bataviabets.com) and Jim Haas, Operations Manager of Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation/Batavia Downs added: “We are enthusiastic about the benefits the new Internet wagering service will provide to our customers,” “We have been very satisfied with the quality of the eBet Internet wagering platform and with the speed and simplicity of implementing this key extension of our account wagering service.”
