Turks ban backgammon playing in the street! - 7 April. 2008

Taking a walk with the dog by the seaside or playing backgammon on the streets will result in a fine of YTL 125 in the Mediterranean region's Alanya district, according to a recent municipal patrol regulation, the Anatolia news agency reported yesterday.

Ref: http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=101093

Renault's F1 Backgammon Set - 19 Feb. 2008

Take a look at Renault, by way of their F1 squad and it's backgammon set. In this case, "branding" doesn't mean simply slapping a Renault logo on the set, but actually constructing the board game out of materials taken from Formula One cars. The set includes (of course) carbon fiber, sterling silver, leather and Permaglass F1. Boy, those French sure do love their backgammon and their F1. But do they love them enough to drop--gulp!--$27,000?

Ref: http://jalopnik.com/357847/adventures-in-branding-renault-backgammon-set

Ref: http://www.renaultf1teamcollection.com/collection.aspx?id=01backgammon

iPod Backgammon - 19 Feb. 2008

Now you play backgammon on your favourite mobile music player. Chess & Backgammon Classics feature competition against computer-controlled or human players, multiple levels of difficulty, static 2D or rotating 3D board views, various visual themes to choose from, and more. Each game also tracks your historical statistics, so you could wow those soldiers — or your friends, if you can’t find a time machine — with examples of your prowess.

When you switch to Backgammon Classics, which you can do without quitting and reloading the game, you can opt to run through a tutorial, if you’re unfamiliar with the rules. You also have the choice of playing a quick game or a tournament against a computer-controlled opponent, in addition to the ability to take on a friend by passing your iPod back and forth.

The computer comes with three levels of difficulty — beginner, intermediate, and championship — and you have six visual themes to choose from: classic wood, magnetic, vintage, mechano, elegant leather, and fancy leather. Spin the click wheel to roll the dice and make your moves. There’s luck at play here, but there’s also plenty of room for strategizing too.

Chess and backgammon may be centuries-old games with long histories of classic contests, but this is your chance to add to that legacy on your iPod. Find a friend, or pick a computer opponent, and test your strategy skills.

Ref: http://www.apple.com/games/ipod/chessandbackgammon/

America Investigates Online Casino - 19 Feb. 2008
According to industry sources, officials in America have begun inquiries into the founders of online casino PartyGaming.com. The Gibraltar-based Internet casino, backgammon, bingo and sportsbetting site has been in negotiations with the US Government for several months and it is unclear what information is being gathered at this time. For more information see the Reference link.