April 3 - A year ago, when the state-run Holland Casino announced tentative
plans to begin an online gambling site, a licensing deal was signed with one of
the industry's leading software producers, CryptoLogic. The company hoped to
provide its award winning products to power the planned site.
Unfortunately, last week the Dutch parliament voted in a narrow 37:35 vote
not to allow the internet casino to be established, showing just how divided the
Dutch online gambling issue really is in the country.
CryptoLogic issued a statement this week where it claimed that it would not
be affected materially by the Dutch online gambling decision. "While advocates
of safe, secure and regulated e-gaming are disappointed with the Dutch decision,
CryptoLogic never places all its bets on one table," said the company's CEO,
Brian Hadfield. "That's why this decision will have no material impact on our
business. We recognized the challenge in Holland early and prepared our business
by accelerating other revenue-generating initiatives".
Bradfield was undoubtedly referring to a large number of projects in the
pipeline that are sure to offset any potential losses caused by the Dutch online
gambling decision. The company is planning to launch non-download poker, as well
as a selection of new games in coming months. In addition, it will be creating
new software for sites such as Sun Poker, Betsafe and the World Poker Tour's new
Spanish and German sites.
"CryptoLogic will continue to advocate regulation as the logical solution for
all internet gaming stakeholders - including players, investors and taxpayers,"
continued Hadfield. "CryptoLogic will remain focused on delivering
ground-breaking customized innovations to the world's blue-chip gaming and
entertainment brands - and on growing our business around the world."
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