eCOGRA LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE WITH TOPICAL MONTHLY POLLS AND PLAYER NEWSLETTER

LONDON, JUNE 20, 2006 – While more than 30 million people around the world love to gamble online, many don’t know where to seek out reliable information on trustworthy poker and casino sites. eCOGRA, the award winning, self-regulatory body of the online gaming industry and purveyor of the coveted “Play It Safe” seal, today announced the launch of its new Web site at www.ecogra.org. Sporting a fresh, contemporary feel, the new site also offers:

Player Opinion Poll: Each month players can weigh in on the issues that matter most and suggest new poll topics. eCOGRA will reveal the results of each poll on its Web site.
eCOGRA News: Keep up on relevant news by subscribing to eCOGRA’s quarterly newsletter directly from the homepage. Subscribers gain access to information about newly approved “Play It Safe” sites, responsible conduct training programs for operators, new jurisdictions that recognize the eGAP standards and eCOGRA-supported events.
Dispute Resolution Service: Through its Fair Gaming Advocate (FGA), eCOGRA continues to offer its acclaimed dispute resolution service to any player encountering problems with a site bearing the “Play It Safe” seal. Learn more at: www.ecogra.org/disputes.
Online Media Room: Journalists can now easily arrange a briefing or download information, press releases, upcoming events and statistics about the online gaming industry and player issues by visiting eCOGRA’s online media room: www.ecogra.org/media.
“We’re responding to the needs of players, and finding ways to make their voices heard – within the industry, by eCOGRA certified operators and among one another,” said eCOGRA CEO Andrew Beveridge. “Our goal is to help players find the safest and most enjoyable experiences when gambling online.”

The new Web site also features details on the rigorous inspection processes and a list of the safest online casino and card rooms.

The launch of new site coincides with the organisation’s ‘100 Seals Campaign’ — a challenge to those operators who have not started the process of obtaining eCOGRA ‘Play it Safe’ certification to begin the compliance and inspection process. This year, eCOGRA aims to increase the number of sites bearing the seal from 76 to 100.

About eCOGRA
eCOGRA, the independent standards authority for the online gaming industry, is committed to protecting online casino and poker players around the world. The non-profit organization addresses the most important issues to players: fast payouts, fair gaming, responsive and efficient service and responsible operator conduct.

eCOGRA provides an international framework of best operational and player practice requirements enforced through inspections, reviews, and continuous monitoring by independent global audit companies. To date, 76 sites comply with these requirements and have been awarded the coveted “Play It Safe” Seal that identifies to players the safest online gaming sites on the Web. For more information on how eCOGRA is constantly improving standards in online gaming for players everywhere, go to www.ecogra.org.

eCOGRA Approved Sites

For all media queries or to arrange a briefing, please contact:

In the UK: In the US:
Stuart Hehir Susan Lindner
Chameleon PR Lotus Public Relations
stuart@chameleonpr.com Susan.Lindner@lotus-pr.com