A new program for Internet capable cell phones is putting casino-style gaming in a U.S. gambler's pockets, allowing real money wagering from anywhere they can get a phone signal, according to Local 6 News.
While Americans have long been able to download casino-style cell phone games for fun, the Web site pokerroom.com has introduced a phone service that allows players to wager real money and gamble against live players.
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"At this point, we only offer Texas Hold 'Em poker and also slot machines," Pokerroom.com spokeswoman Ira Gladnikoff.
With the new service, players can bet between 50 cents and $300 a hand, Local 6 News reported.
"It's the casino in your pocket," CNET's Brian Cooley said, "Cell phones are personal, gambling is personal. They go together in consumer's minds. It's the next big thing."
It is estimated by 2009, Americans will dial up close to $20 billion in gaming business.
Local 6 News reported that if a player loses a phone connection while betting, the person is allowed 30 seconds to reconnect.
"...If you don't connect during the 30 seconds, your hand will automatically fold," Gladnikoff said.
The federal government wants to stop the online gambling, fearing children will be able to place bets.
The National Council on Problem Gambling thinks the sheer convenience of cell phones will make it too easy to bet it all, Local 6 News reported.
"There's a whole host of risk factors," National Council on Problem Gambling spokesman Keith Whyte said. "I have no idea how an age limit could be verified now; nor how, even if the age limit was verified, that you could be certain who was using the phone."
Pokerrroom.com said it has gone to great lengths to verify age through credit card information and that its services are meant for grownups on the go.
The pokerroom.com service is currently available on more than a dozen phone models sold in the United States and the company plans to add more compatible phones and games by the end of the year.
Mobile phone gambling is already very extremely popular overseas, according to the report.
Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.
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