Painful experience for Sting Marketing

The management at US-based Sting Marketing Inc found they had disturbed a hornet's nest when they tried to use the brand of an industry veteran in a domain registration, according to the results of a World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) investigation recently.

Case D2008-0869 records that the Isle of Man based online gambling software developer and turnkey provider Microgaming took exception to the registration of the domain casinos-microgaming.com, triggering an arbitration process to which the registrant failed to respond at any point, thus losing the case - and the domain.

In a finding dated July 22 WIPO arbitrator Alistair Payne ordered the transfer of the domain to Microgaming following a decision based on:

1. The Complainant had demonstrated that the Respondent is neither related to the Complainant nor authorised to use the Complainant’s trade marks in any way. As the Respondent’s registration occurred nearly ten years after the Complainant’s first use of the MICROGAMING trademark, the Panel considers that the registration of a domain name containing such a well-known trade mark in the area of online casinos and gaming related software combined with the descriptive and industry related word “casinos” is evidence of intended use in bad faith; and

2. The Respondent has failed to explain on two occasions the reasons why he registered the Disputed Domain Name. Firstly in failing to respond to the Complainant’s cease and desist letter and secondly by failing to file a Response in this administrative proceeding. In these circumstances, the Panel infers that the Respondent never intended any bona fide use for the Disputed Domain Name beyond the directory web site that is currently displayed.

For the reasons stated above, the Panel is satisfied that the Disputed Domain Name was registered and used in bad faith. As such, paragraph 4(a)(iii) of the Policy is satisfied.

For all the foregoing reasons, in accordance with paragraphs 4(i) of the Policy and 15 of the Rules, the Panel orders that the Domain Name <casinos-microgaming.com> be transferred to the Complainant.

The action indicates the increasing determination of well established and successful online gambling companies to defend the integrity of their brands.

NHL Odds: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Washington Capitals on Tuesday - Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs touch down in DC this Tuesday (7 PM ET on TSN) as one of the hottest teams in the NHL. They've tallied a ridiculous 26 goals through only five games played; that's more than five goals scored per game on average. They'll be up against an equally potent Washington Capitals team.

Pro League Reveals Sportradar Contract Details - The partnership between the PLC and Sportradar aims to provide a high-quality level of service to all Arabian Gulf League stakeholders in addition to making verified official data about players performances available to coaching and scouting staff and supplying match information to media outlets.

NFL Odds: Steelers Visit Undefeated Chiefs #TNF - The Kansas City Chiefs (5-0 SU and ATS) have been flawless as an NFL pick thus far. Their chances of remaining undefeated in Week 6 look good; after opening at –4.5, Kansas City is a 5-point home chalk for Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2 SU, 2-3 ATS), beginning at 4:25 PM ET on CBS.

Mega Moolah strikes again - The jackpot was hit on a mobile device on Sunday 1 October 2017 by a UK player on Betway, this time awarding a £1,448,116.31 pay day.

2 New Slots For Microgaming Casinos - David Reynolds, Games Publisher at Microgaming, comments: “On top of our branded title game Halloween, we’re delivering two more slots this October, each bringing exciting features and a different theme.

MLS Odds: Red Bulls vs. Whitecaps - The New York Red Bulls (12W, 12L, 7T) haven’t won a match since August 15, but they’re –165 favorites this Saturday against the visiting Vancouver Whitecaps (15W, 10L, 6T), beginning at 5 PM ET. Vancouver is a +475 underdog with the draw priced at +285.

Simon Jones is crowned the Greatest Poker Player in the Universe - A €10,000 leaderboard tracked player progress throughout the series to determine who the Greatest Poker Player in the Universe was. Professional poker player/sports psychology lecturer, Simon Jones, took the crown with a €5,000 cash bonus and trophy to prove it.

MLB Odds: Yankees Favored in AL Wild Card Game - After a strong regular season, the New York Yankees (91-71, –1.00 betting units) opened as –235 home favourites for Tuesday’s AL Wild Card Game against the Minnesota Twins (85-77, +11.48 units). First pitch is at 8 PM ET on ESPN.