British Public Backs New Online Gambling Laws in PKR.com

LONDON, January 22 /PRNewswire/ --

- Survey of UK Consumers Finds Broad Public Support and Little Opposition to Government Plans to License and Regulate Online Gambling as Part of New Casino Act.

- Results Show Consumers Find Licensing and Regulation of Gambling Sites are Key in Inspiring Consumer Confidence and Trust.

Controversial government plans to license and regulate online gambling have strong public support according to a new survey conducted by PKR.com and YouGov.

The findings, part of the Poker UK 2007 report issued by PKR.com, showed that 63% of the 4,630 respondents agreed with Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell's strategy to oversee the online gambling industry from within the UK.

Even amongst non-gamblers, support for the licensing and regulation of online gambling was high, with over 50% agreeing with government plans. Only 14% of non-gambling respondents disagreed.

The survey also highlighted that licensing and regulation plays a major role in consumer decisions about which online gaming sites they play. Nearly two thirds of those polled (63%) believe that it is important for an internet gambling site to have a licence, with only 5% seeing licensing as "not important at all".

What's more, the PKR.com/YouGov poll revealed a strong preference among respondents for those licences to be issued under British Government regulations. 70% said they would trust a poker room or casino that is licensed and regulated in the UK.

PKR.com's Chief Executive Officer, Malcolm Graham said, "We've always known that trust is a major factor when it comes to consumer decisions about where to gamble online - which is why we would welcome the introduction of a UK based licensing regime in order to extend an even greater level of protection to consumers and help them avoid unscrupulous operators."

Graham goes on to add, "I am sure that if the Gambling Commission adopts a regulatory framework similar to the one that exists in Alderney, they will attract many license applications."

The Poker UK 2007 report also identifies how poker is increasingly being seen as an entertainment activity, rather than being viewed as gambling, and also provides a snapshot showing how new next-generation poker products are re-invigorating the market.

About PKR (www.pkr.com)

PKR is a revolutionary new concept in online poker that aims to change both the way that online poker is played and perceived.

Featuring stunning real-time 3D graphics and a uniquely engaging and immersive gaming system, PKR brings an unparalleled and previously unseen level of realism to online poker.

Developed by some of the brightest stars in the video games and poker industries, PKR was founded in 2005 by President Jez San, one of Europe's most respected technology entrepreneurs and the first person to ever be awarded an O.B.E for services to the computer games industry.

PKR's Gaming Licence

PKR is licensed by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC), one of the stringent gaming jurisdictions in the world.

The successful receipt of an Alderney gaming license requires the operator to:

- submit to independent testing of both gaming software and hardware

- ensure that players are over the minimum age required to gamble (18)

- provide tools and services to prevent irresponsible or problem gambling

- 'ring-fence' all money in player's accounts (both winnings and deposits) in a separate account.

- demonstrate that their management team 'fit and proper' people to run an online gaming company through extensive vetting process.

- show that it is financially solvent.

- appoint a compliance officer to meet with the AGCC on a monthly basis to demonstrate that they are complying with all terms of the license across all areas of the operation.

Press Release, PKR.com - 2007-01-23 05:22:50