Online gaming news in brief: May 11, 2011

Here’s a quick look at the latest from the busy world of online gambling and Internet poker:
Iowa approves online gambling plan
A pretty big update to last week’s state-by-state regulatory round-up has been reported as the Midwestern state of Iowa has approved a plan to study online gambling and implement a new plan by December.
That’s not quite the same as regulating it, but it’s a solid step in the direction. And, coming just weeks after the widespread announcement that Iowa’s poker regulatory plans were dead, it marks a welcome turnaround.
The bill requires “the head of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission to come up with a framework for regulating in-state online poker” by December 1, notes Iowa’s Globe Gazette, adding that Iowa governor Terry Branstad has yet to sign the bill.
“The governor has not taken a position on this piece of legislation and will continue to monitor its progress,” a spokesman for Branstad said last week.
No new U.S. players for BetUS
CAP Listed Program BetUS has made the reluctant announcement that no new U.S. players will be accepted at the site, for the time being.
“Our sources at BetUS state that current accounts will remain active and can deposit and withdraw as usual,” notes PreGame.com, adding that the decision “is not based on any direct issues with the U.S. Department of Justice, but rather a business decision to lower the company’s profile and focus on their current customer base.”
Carbon Poker and Merge Network end rakeback
After June 1, 2011, one of the biggest remaining online poker rooms in the U.S. market, Carbon Poker, will cease accepting new players to its popular rakeback program.
The change affects all gaming rooms in the Merge Network (now the largest in the U.S. market, per PokerScout).
Merge Network reps add some good news to the announcement: “NEW players who sign up and start playing for real money before that date will be ‘grandfathered’” into the rakeback program and can continue to enjoy the rewards after June 1. There’s even a special Carbon Poker bonus code designed for that purpose. Read the news release and get the code here.
New look for Titan Casino
Titan Casino, one of the flagship online gaming properties in Playtech’s (and CAP Listed Program) Euro Partners’ roster, has just gotten a makeover.
“While the Titan Casino games remain the same, the website and casino lobby have been fully redesigned for an improved user experience including additional information and easier navigation,” company reps announced. “The new Titan Casino now reflects the design of sister sites Titan Poker and Titan Bet for a single unified online gaming mega-brand.”
Of particular interest to affiliates are the site’s new promotions page, and greater information attached to the site’s games. Read the full press release here.