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Displaying the latest 10 blog posts.

  • Chief Executive At Costa Bingo Opens Up

    By Lisa West on Friday, 30th October 2009

    In a recent interview with egr magazine, Richard Skelhorn, CE for Costa Bingo talked about why the company had moved from affiliate, to operator. When asked if the company had created a free Bingo site, because they ‘moved in’ a little late in the game, Skelhorn indicated that “yes”, this had been a reason, “to some degree”.  As far as the company were concerned, it seemed the “best way to gain the registrations needed”.  And, without doubt, the strategy has been extremely effective.  As Skelhorn points out, when the “barriers of entry” are removed, a site is, in principle, fairly assured of attraction players.  If it costs nothing to sign up and play, as is the case at Costa Bingo, there are few reasons why, not to sign.

    The same people behind Costa Bingo, launched Casino Choice, eight years ago, in 2001.  It became extremely successful, sending a lot of traffic, towards a lot of Casino operators.  Casino Choice, becoming a very successful affiliate website. So, what made them change tact?  According to Skelhorn, it was due to their huge success, generating a awful lot of traffic, that they decided to make the change over.  It turns out, they began to shoot themselves in the foot. Or, at least, maybe, the operators they were sending traffic to, began to indicate they were actually feeling threatened!

    In consequence, the operators began lowering their rates, and ultimately, offering a revenue share.  Faced with the facts, the company decided to move onto the operational side of things.  Skelhorn stated that, “We looked at how many new depositors the established rooms were generating and knew we had a chance of competing”.   Well, Costa Bingo has certainly accomplished that, and some…. It’s highly possible, even more so than anyone first imagined.  And, that has to be a nice surprise for everyone at home base.



    This was an article by LJ for Bingo Faces on Costa Bingo

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  • UK Online Bingo - Australian Gambling Allegations Shocker

    By Lisa West on Thursday, 29th October 2009

    Australiangambling.com.au have unearthed some damning, and un-nerving indications that UK Bingo players are being betrayed.  As well as members from some of the worlds top online gambling companies.  The allegation is more than shocking, and involves names such as, Foxy, William Hill and 888.  According to industry sources, players details are being sold online for a price.  And a pretty price it is too…. Thousands of pounds in some cases.  However, even though players might be shocked, and even a little upset about discovering that, it has not yet been clarified, as to whether any laws are actually being broken.

    If this is the case, it could turn out that some of the UK’s leading brand Bingo Operators, may be in a shocking breach of player privacy.  Although, the consequences of that could be great, whether legal or not.  The details being sold include, names, addresses, DOB, email address and even financial information.  As in, how much that player has deposited, lost and won. And, it is available to anybody, anywhere, who has enough money to buy it.

    Of course, gambling operators are far from the only industry to buy and sell personal data. Far, far from it.  And, it has yet to be clarified, if this is indeed the case.  Although the internet has provided us with a whole new world, it is not always that easy to keep some privacy in it!  Hence, people spend their hard earned cash on privacy and data protection software.  Australian Gambling have, to date, received no replies from any of the operators involved, and they are numerous. 

    The commission is specifically aimed at protecting Australians. However, in this instance, their findings will to be relative to many people, all around the world.  What effect this SHOCKING REPORT has, upon the world of online gambling, is yet to be seen.  But, indeed, it doesn’t look like it will be a positive one, and that wont be good news for the industry.

    Email between Australian gambling, and online seller - AKA Ryan:

    Hi Nick, thanks for the chat on messenger earlier.
    Ok, as I mentioned we have gambling data targeted to Casino, Poker, Sportsbetting and Bingo.
    In the latest batch of casino data we have roughly 40k full records available which include Full name, address, email, telephone number, net loss and total deposits of each player.
    All the data is European and comes from various online casinos like Casino Tropez, Eurogrand, Casinojoy, 888, Intercasino, Spin Palace, 32 red, Will Hill, Europa, Vegas Red, Platinumplay and Roxy Palace.
    If you wanted to buy all the 40k casino data I would charge you $100 per 1,000 records so the total cost would be $4,000. If you just wanted to buy part of the database the cost per 1,000 would differ depending on how many you wanted to take.
    Regarding poker data we have 37k full records available which again include Full name, address, email, telephone number, net loss and total deposits of each player.
    All the data is European and comes from various online poker sites like Titan Poker, Poker Ocean, Pacific Poker and Full Tilt Poker.
    If you wanted the whole 37k we would be looking at around $80 per 1,000 records so the total cost would be roughly $2,950. If you wanted to buy part of the database the cost per 1,000 would depend on total spend.
    With regards to sports betting data, in the latest batch we have roughly 25k available which are mainly UK and are just email addresses.
    The betting data as come from sites Ladbrokes, Betfair, Totesport, Will Hill and Coral.
    If you wanted the whole 25k I can do you them at $50 per 1,000 as they are just email addresses so the total cost would be $1,250 or again if you just wanted part of the data the cost per 1,000 would all depend on how many you wanted.
    Finally, as I mentioned we have around 500 records for bingo which are just Uk email addresses and they come from Foxy, Cheeky and Tombola Bingo.
    I would be willing to chuck these in for free on any substantial order.
    If you wanted to take all of the above Nick the total cost would be $8,200 but I would be willing to knock that down to $7,000 for you so you would save $1,200.
    Let me know what you want to do.
    Cheers Nick.
    Many Regards

    Ryan


    This was an article by LJ for Bingo faces on UK Online Bingo

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  • Gala Bingo Team - Top of The World Ma!

    By Lisa West on Wednesday, 28th October 2009

    The twenty four strong team of Gala Bingo workers reached base camp on Sunday. Nine days after leaving from Kathmandu, on October 16th.  What a bunch of super stars they are!  Even though the guys and girls have succeeded in their task, there’s no need to stop giving.  Visit: http://www.galacoraleveresttrek.co.uk/2009/08/27/everest-bingo-game/ and you can still donate, to any one (or all of them if you like) of the twenty four who made the climb.  

    Patrick King, one of the group, and assistant manager at Gala’s Bingo Hall in Sudbury, was among those hoping to raise £100K for the Sue Rider Charity.  He, like most, is just falling short of his target.  So, they need your dosh Roomies!  Each of the group has their own “just Giving” page.  You can read why, what and how, each and every one decided to take on this enormous challenge.  It’s great to read their stories, and you will be surprised, and inspired to read why, each and every one of them joined in.

    According to the groups blog, there were a “few tears” around when they reached base camp.  Without doubt, achieving what you set out to do, when it is such an arduous thing too do, is bound to stir a few emotions.  The trek has taken them 75miles, and 2700 meters up the worlds highest mountain.  You might wonder, how did they manage that? According to them,
    “through a combination of sheer will power and team spirit”.

    Of course, they have achieved a lot personally, as well as doing a great thing for a very deserving charity. The twenty four Gala Employees who made the climb, were chosen from around 100 original applicants.  Before they even left for base camp, they had already achieved a great deal.  These guys have been through a gruelling experience, and yet, all they are asking you to do, is donate… so donate!

    This was an article by Lisa for Bingo faces on Gala Bingo

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  • Ladbrokes Bingo - Banging Up The Bonuses

    By Lisa West on Tuesday, 27th October 2009

    Ladbrokes Bingo have been upping their bonuses of late. Before, Newbies had to spend £10, before they could claim £20 in Bingo bonus money. Now, just £5 will be enough, to get your hands on the twenty.  However, new players do have to wait for that bonus to be given, after they have spent the qualifying £5 on Bingo cards.  But not too long, just 48hrs… Plus, it looks like they are more than ready to jump on the ‘bonus bandwagon’, in more ways than one.

    Ladbrokes Bingo have just introduced a fabulous new game, “Deal or No Deal Bingo”.  And, they are bringing it in with a big, celebratory, bang!  Any player who buys £20 worth of tickets for the new game, can claim £10 in free dosh - up until October 29th.  Players need to register for the promotions first, but it is easy and very quick. Which is just as well, because this offer isn’t around forever.  Just go to the Ladbrokes promotions page, fill in you email address and alias, and go play. That’s it.

    If you are a newly registered player, and have deposited £10, you will have to deposit another £10 to qualify.  Plus, it should be noted, the free £10 cannot be withdrawn.  Even so, new players who deposit £20, will receive £30 in free cash. Just for joining up and playing £20 worth of Deal or No Deal Bingo.  And boy, is this a great game! Win a full house and you will be in for a call from the banker.  Now’s the time to make your choice. Will you stick to the prize pot you already won? (which is hidden behind the box). Or, take the amount the banker offers?  Now that Roomies, will be entirely your decision. But play it right, and you could be up for a share in a massive cash jackpot prize. So, is that a deal? Or not?  Me thinks yes Roomies!   

    This was an article by LJ for Bingo Faces on Ladbrokes Bingo

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  • The Luckiest Town In The UK - Or The Most Thrifty!

    By Lisa West on Monday, 26th October 2009

    Gala TV do love their surveys.  Almost as much as me, and I am a total head banger for them! As we all know, Bingo is a pure game of chance, which is why, any survey about luck, has to be useful!  Only a short while ago, Gala TV Bingo carried out a survey, among their winning Bingo players. They discovered that Taureans are the luckiest players of all. However! When it comes to which UK town has the luckiest Bingo players, it’s the people of Harrogate topping the hall of fame. That’s all very interesting, but the real burning question has to be, “why”?

    Gala Bingo TV is keeping mum, about why that might be.  So, it’s a mystery!  Maybe?  Could be there are a lot of Taureans in Harrogate… did anyone check?  Maybe they are ‘Summer Lovin’ people ; ) Apart from that, another thing springs to mind.  The people of Yorkshire are legendary for their “cautious money management”… So, maybe that is more what the survey indicates. A case of extra thrifty wagering, as opposed to extra luck!  Sounds like there’s a been some crafty tactics, underway to me… The question is, how do you get them to part with that very useful data!  

    Have you seen that old ‘scientology’ thing?  Where Robins, and the such like, learn how to get into those complex ‘food maze’ bird boxes?  Then, (for instance…), the Robin in Harrogate who sussed it, passes on that information to his bird buddies.  And, before you know it, the Robins in Lands End are doing it that way.  Well, this might be a good time to have a few Bingo Buddies in Harrogate.  At worst, some of their ‘luck’ might rub off!  I also know for a fact, the people of Yorkshire make very good tea…

    This was an article by LJ for Bingo Faces on Gala Bingo

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  • Odds On At Crown Bingo

    By Lisa West on Sunday, 25th October 2009

    When it comes to Jackpots boys and girls, Crown Bingo is definitely king.  Just sifting through the latest, I came across an interesting (and very informative) site that was ‘monitoring’ stats for the big brand sites.  Things like, how many players online, average pot, biggest jackpot available, that kind of thing! Now, while you might be thinking, “yeah, yeah”. More stats to fry my brain!  Looking at these, these are actually useful.  Now, while I am highly entertained by ‘who’s the Poshest’, and so on… Bingo is, after all, a gambling game.  And, when it comes to edging your bets, stats can be extremely useful.

    For instance?  When it comes to how many players are logged in, Crown Bingo was sitting in 10th place, with just under 600 players.  Tombola Bingo, on the other hand, sitting at the top of the tree, had more than 2000players logged in.  Now, compare the odds of winning there, with the fact that average pots at both sites, are around £45/£50.  You Don’t need to be a mathematician to work out, on which site the odds are more favourable.  Crown Bingo wins, hands down.

    Another, “For instance”?  Just take a look at the jackpots available.  In the Top 10, there are two operators who stand out from the crowd.  With regards to HUGE Jackpots.  Ladbrokes Bingo have a million up for grabs, and Mecca, just under £95,000.  However, when it comes to a balance of ratios, between how many players, and how big those jackpots are, Crown Bingo definitely turn up trumps.  At the moment, Crown has six major jackpot prizes on offer.  The Cash Cow is sitting at just under £20K: The Turbo Charger, at £16,482.16: The Crown Jewels, at £13,504.66: The Super Joker Jackpot, at £12,688.16: The Gold Rush, at £10,806.97.  And finally, the Big Apple at £7,646.41.  Do I need to say more?


    This is an article by LJ for Bingo faces on Crown Bingo

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  • William Hill & Playtech - A Winning Combination.

    By Lisa West on Saturday, 24th October 2009

    Two of the UK’s largest gaming operators have released trading figures this week.  Nothing too unusual or curious about that, you might say… and, I have to agree!  However, what is curious? Is the fact that neither of them included any detailed information, with regards to their Bingo operations.  So, who are we talking about?  Namely, Playtech and William Hill. It was a year ago, in October, when the two companies first joined their online operations at the hip.  Therefore, the figures are somewhat significant. It has been a long year, no doubt, for Henry Birch.  The man who is at the head of the division.  He’s had some task, working out how to integrate, and make the most of what the two have to offer.   

    On the Playtech side, the company have been investing copious amounts of time and money, developing their own range of Bingo games.  In the report Playtech stated, that among the years ‘operational highlights’, was the “launch of a new version of Playtech's Bingo product”.  However, this was about the long and short of it!  William Hill’s online gaming assets use Virtue Fusion software. Although, one might well expect that to change in the future. Indeed, although William Hill said that their “ casino, poker, bingo and skill games” were “performing well”, and “in line with management expectations”.  According to the report, their gaming activities collectively delivered a “net revenue growth of 98% by the third quarter.”

    There were few more details than this, included in the report. Other than an air of optimism.  The companies state, they believe the current figures will “be further boosted by increased liquidity contributed by existing and new licensees”.  And yes, things do look positive for both. Unlike Ladbrokes, whose shares have plummeted recently, due to problems with huge debts.  Shares for William Hill and Playtech have stabilised.  So, looks like they’ve found themselves a winning combination.


    This was an article by LJ for Bingo Faces on Online Bingo

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  • The Rise (& Fall?), and Rise of Bingo

    By Lisa West on Friday, 23rd October 2009

    Bingo has seen a miraculous metamorphosis over the past couple of years.  Although, especially during the last 12months.  In times past, if you played a game of Bingo, it was because you were taking your Gran out for the evening!  Recently, there has been big swing, towards the launch of smart new Bingo Halls, revamps and modernism.  Some might say, this was due to a ‘do or die’ situation for land based operators.  Since the introduction of online Bingo, the game plan has changed.  Now, a new(ish) contender has entered the ring.  And, this is no lightweight opponent.  Online Bingo has, in many ways, catapulted the Bingo game onto a new level.  Huge numbers of players are logging in daily, to play at their favourite online site.

    The change has been too much, too soon, for some operators.  And, unfortunately, they have since closed their doors for the last time. Without doubt, the raised tax rate, recession, and smoking ban, helping them along.  Even so, there are many land based Bingo Halls doing very well, thank you!  But, what of the online Bingo Industry?  Has this also had its toll, upon the already flagging Bingo Halls.  Almost certainly. ..

    But, what has made online Bingo such a success? Number 1?  Bingo is a social game, and online Bingo offers the enjoyment of that, without the same expense.  No travelling costs, and,  tonnes of ‘Bargain Bucket’ tickets.  Many of the big brand operators offering free, and penny Bingo.  Plus, when the schedule is tight, logging in is a darn site quicker than going into town.  To which, I might add, at home, you always, get your favourite, or ‘lucky’ chair!

    There has been some big advancements online, with regards to technology.  Better graphics, better communication options, better games… The online operators get pretty imaginative, when it comes to promotions, and variations of the basic Bingo game.  Nothing like a bit of variety to keep the spice in life!  And, on top of all that, you can find online Bingo action, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.  No wonder it’s doing so well!

    This was an article by LJ for Bingo Faces on Online Bingo

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  • Costa Bingo Hit’s the Small Screen

    By Lisa West on Thursday, 22nd October 2009

    Costa Bingo is a frontrunner within the world of online Bingo.  Although starting out as a freeplay Bingo website, recently, they have been trying a slightly different ‘tact’.  Most notably, with regards to the incentives on offer, for depositing players.  Does this mean that we can look towards Costa Bingo, as an up and coming pay to play contender?  Who will be shining his light ‘up there’, alongside names such as Foxy Bingo? Well, with the level of publicity, Costa Bingo are now putting into action, me thinks this might well be the case.

    Publicity works… repetition works!  (Try telling the old man that!)  And television publicity works more than most.  That’s a proven fact, and why TV Adverts can cost the advertiser an arm and a leg.  So, it’s no surprise, a get up and go site, like Costa Bingo, has decided to take the plunge.  Unlike many of their competitors, Costa has not opted to sponsor any particular program.  Instead, the new animated advert has been popping up during some mainstream programs, on various channels.  It’s short and sweet, and features a Mr Sunny… lol… he’s does a lot of bouncing about, and shouting about ‘That’s Massive’. In reference to the massive promotions on offer at Costa Bingo. Of course!!!

    Operations Manager for Costa Bingo has high hopes for their latest campaign, stating that she feels the new Ads will “take costabingo.com and free online bingo to the next level”.  Next level?  Pay to play Bingo?  Would that be what she means, by “next level”… If that is the plan, will their shift in ‘preference’ simply see the loss of their free players.  Do they care!  Costa Bingo has approximately three thousand five hundred players, logging in on a regular basis.  And, as Costa’s operations manager points out, free Bingo has no financial risks attached to it.  It simply offers free fun, and "the highest level of bingo game play online”.  Not a lot to add there then…

    This was an article by LJ for Bingo Faces on Costa Bingo

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  • Who's The Poshest?

    By Lisa West on Wednesday, 21st October 2009

    Mirror, Mirror on the wall; who is the ‘Poshest’ of them all?  Posh Bingo carried out a survey, among one thousand of their players, from up and down the UK.  The burning question?  Who do they think is the ‘Poshest’ celebrity, in the UK.  It might seem like an obvious result to some, curiously, not to me!  Scoring 18%, way ahead of the crowd, was HRH; with Joanna Lumley coming in second, grabbing 7% of the votes.  Second and third rankings were a little tighter, with Cheryl Cole receiving 5%.  Although these results might be interesting, quirky even! When you look at the results regionally, things really do start to get interesting.

    In the North East, it was a split result for the top spot, between HRH and Cheryl Cole.  Both of whom gained 16% of the votes each.  Of course, this is Cheryl’s ‘home turf’, so there was always going to be a touch of healthy ‘favouritism’ there.  After all, Miss Cole is probably THE most famous WAG about town! However, there’s a LOT of difference between ‘Girls Aloud’ member, and X Factor presenter, Cheryl Cole and HRH! Blimey! Those two definitely don’t use the same hairdresser!  What’s more, around 30% of the Posh players, who voted in the North East, voted for themselves.  Of course, the voting wouldn’t have been complete without the appearance of the lovely Joanna Lumley, with 8% of the votes.  Who, by the way, came in equal to David Beckham…

    In the South West, HRH maintained her poll position.  However, this time, tying with Cheryl Cole. Amanda Holden and the ‘Real’ Posh, Miss Beckham herself, also gaining a good majority of votes.  The good old Oxford Dictionary defines the word ‘posh’ as meaning, ‘the quality or state of being elegant, stylish or upper class’.  Obviously, a lot of people seem to be translating that to mean a lot of things.  For instance?  Helen Mirren, Prince Charles, Katie Price and ex hubby Pete.  As Posh Bingo manager, Maurice Karpes, points out, “ "It's interesting who people perceive to be posh." Quite….

    This was an article by LJ for Bingo Faces on Posh Bingo

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