Reports from Las Vegas, Atlantic City and even this column continue to show the declines in gaming revenue across the board. But one online company, 5Dimes, is moving full steam ahead. Apparently this is a good time for mergers and/or acquisitions for this Elite-rated sportsbook.

This week another Elite-rated book was acquired by 5Dimes. Sportbet, after over a dozen years offering top-notch service, great players perks and solid payouts, was bought up by the ever growing 5Dimes. According to both parties, Sportbet/Island will remain intact at this time with only minor changes in day to day operations. Both books, as well as several others, run out the same office building in San Jose so, for now, even their facilities will remain separate . . .  well on separate floors. Still, the companies were merged to recognize operational efficiencies.

According to the head man at 5Dimes, "The merging of 5Dimes with Sportbet and Island Casino will increase speculation of a number of departments including: marketing, technical/programming staff, search engine optimation, preferred client bonus analysis, as well as provide more resources to expand proposition and live-wagering options."

However, after the football season, the brands will be integrated on the 5Dimes wagering platform. 5Dimes offers more than almost anyone out there, so SportBet customers will begin to enjoy many more wagering options. And according to 5Dimes management, all brands will be marketed with different selling points including a variety of "reduced juice", "bonus", "cash-back" options. This entire deal looks like a win-win for everybody, even the Sportbet employees, who will all be retained.

Last weekend saw some hideous problems arise with both the phones lines and website for Premier-rated BetPhoenix. The company suffered a system-wide failure with their Internet Service Provider on Saturday morning prompting many calls to the OSGA call center. By the early afternoon phone problems were resolved, but intermittent problems with their website persisted – for many days. Still today their website states, “We are currently having some problems with our ISP provider. Our services may experience some interruptions over the next 24 hour period.” Yet, when we tested the betphoenix.com website, we found no problems.

We wanted to note that this is not an indication of the stability of BetPhoenix. This is simply a technology issue that unfortunately, reared it’s ugly head during a football Saturday. We would expect to see that the problems have all been ironed out before this weekend’s football action. If you are having a problem with their Toll Free numbers this holiday weekend you can call them locally at 011 (506) 2430-9830.

Finally, it appears the Bill to repeal the UIGEA from Barney Frank is headed for a debate next Thursday.

There is finally going to be a discussion of HR 2266, Barney Frank’s so-called anti-UIGEA bill. Unfortunately, this hearing to delay the implementation of the America’s Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) by a year will not take place until two days after the UIGEA goes into effect fully (December 1). In addition, the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act (H.R. 2267) to provide for the licensing of Internet gambling, except for sportsbetting, will also be discussed. The proceedings will be available via a live stream on the Internet.

The last time a bill on Internet gambling was discussed, the UIGEA was put into effect. Do yourself a favor and spend at least a little time watching your government in action. if you would like to contact your Congressman prior to this debate and let him know that you support either of these bills, click here.