NEW YORK, June 27 /CNW/ – eCOGRA, (www.ecogra.org) the standards body of the online gambling industry has taken a step closer to its 2006 target of accrediting 100 online casinos and poker rooms today. By certifying an additional 12 sites, now 85 sites have successfully passed its independently administered checks and monitoring to receive the "Play It Safe" seal.

Seven sites managed by the Tusk Investment Corporation in Australia and a further five operated by the Vegas Partner Lounge group received the "Play It Safe" seal for fair gaming and best operational practices. Tusk Investment Corporation is about to be acquired by the Australian listed company Global Approach Limited on the 1st of July 2006 for AUS$ 19.37 million and manages the following successful applicants:

    Challenge Casino

    Golden Reef Casino

    Music Hall Casino

    Nostalgia Casino

    UK Casino Club

    iBig Casino

    Poker Metro

The Vegas Partner Lounge group added to its already accredited list of online casinos and poker rooms with the following new ‘Play It Safe’ seal awards:

    28 Vegas Casino

    Casino France Net

    Crazy Multiplayer Casino

    Crazy Poker

    Golden Riviera Poker

"Leading online casino and poker room brands recognize that players care about the "Play It Safe" seal, and that seal-bearing casinos attract more players and create additional revenue opportunities," said eCOGRA CEO Andrew Beveridge. "We applaud these operators for their efforts and encourage others to help us reach our 100 seals goal by committing to the eCOGRA principals of fair gaming, responsible conduct and player protection."