Live Over The Internet Gambling From Kiwi

Published: Saturday, April 22, 2006 Online-Casinos.com

LIVE OVER THE INTERNET GAMING FROM KIWI

But does this infringe the Molnick patent?

Unless there has been an unannounced licensing of the Mel Molnick patent for "live over the Internet" gambling, Kiwi Gaming could be the next target for the HGN - i2Corp inventor, who has been litigating in defence of his expansive patents over the past few years.

The reason? Kiwi Gaming has launched live gaming with real people dealing at its tables via a live video feed, enabling Internet players to see and chat to its casino dealers. The games offered include blackjack, roulette, baccarat and sic bo.

Bets are made in the same way as in the standard online versions, but players can chat and see Kiwi Casino's dealers while they play. With multi-window Support players can enjoy three live blackjack tables simultaneously, or any combination of live and standard games. Players can enhance their live gaming experience by maximising the dealers' screen, a feature that is also compatible with Kiwi Casino's full-screen mode. In addition to this the quality of the video can be adjusted to accommodate the speed of an individual player's internet connection.

It is not at this time known which software Kiwi is using for the new offering. Kiwi Gaming is an independent offshore operation and part of New Zealand's land-based casino group - Christchurch Casinos, based in Christchurch, New Zealand. The operation is currently licensed and operated from Antigua & Barbuda and uses Playtech software.

Kiwi Gaming was in the news for another reason, too this week - its FastWin Casino subsidiary launched Tequila Poker, which combines elements of five-card poker and Blackjack.

Players are dealt four cards, and then have to choose whether they want to go for a Tequila Poker (poker hand) or High Tequila (high-point total hand). The players are then dealt another two cards. The five best cards out of six make up the final hand. Tequila Poker joins FastWin Casino's current selection of games including a variety of progressive games, table games, video slots, arcade games and regular slots.