gaming news

WHERE To PLAY

GAMES Directory

 POKER STRATEGY

Premium DOMAINs

Sunday 5 September 2010

legal

Nordic region, future view on legislation »

Italy, 2010 outlook on legislation » 

GAMING EVENTS

The 2010 Outlook on Worldwide Gaming Events »

featured domains

absolutesport.com

nolimitbet.com

pokerunited.com

GAMING jobs

On the lookout for your next career »

news archive

News, May 2010 »

News, April 2010 »

News, March 2010 »

News, February 2010 »

News, January 2010 »

News, December 2009 »

Chartwell pulls off "The Italian Job"

Chartwell Technology announces the launch of the new “The Italian Job™” slot machine at bwin, the first branded slot in a series to follow.

The “The Italian Job™” slot is a nine-line slot inspired by the cult Paramount film of 1969. “The Italian Job ™” slot celebrates the 40th anniversary of the film’s release with a nine-line pick-a-prize tribute. It marks the start of a series of branded slot games for Chartwell that will soon be followed by our “Sleepy Hollow™" slot game. Based on the Academy Award winning movie, this exciting new slot will offer players another great nine-line pick-a-prize experience. With flexible delivery capabilities, Chartwell is focused on delivering its clients a rapidly growing library of the best in flash-based proprietary and third-party branded game content.

“The Italian Job™ is the first branded slot game and the new highlight within bwin’s Instant Play Casino offerings from our partner Chartwell”, comments Mr. Tomer Katz, Head of product Management at bwin.

“The Italian Job™” and “Sleepy Hollow™” represent the first two titles to be developed and launched under a multi-license agreement between Chartwell and Paramount Digital Entertainment, a division of Paramount Pictures. Future Paramount titles will be announced and launched by Chartwell throughout 2010.

April 30, 2010 

William Hill first quarter performance

Key performance indicators shows group net revenue up 1 percent and earnings before interest and tax up by 3 percent due largely to the egaming division.

Online was the key driver of William Hill growth during the first quarter with net revenue in the period up by 25 percent compared to the first quarter of 2009.  

Sports betting reported net revenue growth of 79 percent and Casino and bingo also saw growth, up 11 percent and 53 percent respectively, however William Hill was unable to maintain its position in poker, due to tough competition, which saw net revenue fall by 11 percent. Online earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) was £23.3 million.

Ralph Topping, Chief Executive said, “I am satisfied with our performance this early in the year, with an improvement shown in overall retail turnover levels and good growth from William Hill Online in revenues, operating profit and new accounts.

“We continue to maintain a watchful eye on costs and are making significant investment in growing our international online business. I am confident that we are on track to achieve our objectives for this year.”

April 29, 2010

InTouch Gaming signs with Gaming VC and Hippodrome Casino 

Gaming Media Group’s business division, InTouch Gaming, has signed deals with Gaming VC and the Hippodrome Casino.

InTouch Gaming, launched in August 2009, is a customer retention and management (CRM) agency for online poker sites.

InTouch Gaming will provide a fully managed online casino and poker room, customer service, CRM systems and licensing for The Hippodrome Casino, set to launch in October 2008 after a successful appeal by the Hippodrome theatre and nightclub. Although the physical venue will not launch until 2011, the Hippodrome Casino website is set to launch by the end of this year.

Gaming VC, the European casino and poker operator that owns brands including Casino Club Poker and the Italy-facing Betaland site and is a member of the International Poker Network (IPN) which Gaming Media Group’s Poker Heaven site is also on, and InTouch will supply Gaming VC with a set of player marketing and CRM tools to improve the company’s poker player values.

InTouch Gaming head Alistair Craxton said, "The company is not going for the massive deals that the likes of Dragonfish are but medium-sized clients and we can boast a very quick turnaround in terms of getting people live. We have developed a couple of processes that make casino in particular very quick.”

April 28, 2010

Betsson renews agreement with Net Entertainment

Betsson has renewed its license agreement with Net Entertainment for another three years.

The CasinoModule has been in operation at Betsson for the past 7 years providing browser based casino games. With the renewal of the agreement Betsson will introduce also the Net Entertainment download casino as well as the suite of mini games which has great potential to further grow Betsson's overall business.

”Betsson's casino business has grown exponentially the last few years, and thanks to its strong products and thorough product development, NetEnt has played a huge part of that success. We are very pleased with the service Net Entertainment provides and financially we cannot find a better product” says Magnus Silfverberg, CEO Betsson Malta Ltd

”We are proud that Betsson has chosen Net Entertainment as their strategic casino provider also going forward. Our uncompromised focus on innovation and providing the best casino games is paying off and the financial performance of our games speak for themselves” comments Johan Öhman, CEO for Net Entertainment.

April 27, 2010

Slots.com up for auction

Domain name Slots.com scheduled for auction by tomorrow, April 28th.

Following the recent sale of Poker.org at $1 million, domain Slots.com is next up for auction in London. Its value have been widely discussed throughout the domain market, and whether increased mergers and acquisitions is in part a result of most top domains being taken by major brands or whether the gaming domain market have gone cold? Industry experts however remain true to the fact that branding is of high importance, and attracting new customers there is a strong value in distinct domain names.     

Interested parties are being asked to email contact information to auction@slots.com, and to include company name, contact name, email, fax, phone number, and market capitalization.

April 27, 2010

Betsson sportsbook proven successful

Betsson first quarter shows revenues increasing with 17 percent to SEK 367.7 million and where sportsbook operations is up 89 percent.

Sportsbook operations generated over one billion SEK in gross turnover, and operating income increased to SEK 84.2 million, an increase of 2 percent. Operating income has been charged with a cost of SEK 9.2 (revenue 5.6) million regarding currency revaluation of balance sheet items. The effect from capitalizations and amortizations of capitalized development cost amounted to SEK 0.6 (7.8) million. Income before tax amounts to SEK 84.6 (83.0) million. Income for the period totalled SEK 80.2 (78.8) million, corresponding to SEK 2.04 (2.01) per share. Cash by the end of the period were SEK 520.4 (436.8) million and the group still has no interest-bearing liabilities.

Pontus Lindwall, President and CEO said, "Betsson's investments in the Sportsbook have proved to be successful. The Sportsbook increase was 89 percent even on the highly competitive Swedish market. This clearly shows that Betsson gains market shares."

April 27, 2010

Betfair passes three million customer mark

This latest milestone in the company’s long record of continued growth comes less than 12 months since it passed the 2.5 million marker and in a year when the company is celebrating its 10th year of operations.

In the last five years total revenue at Betfair has risen from £107 million in 2005 to £303 million for 2009, whilst adjusted EBITDA has more than doubled from £30 million in 2005 to £72 million for 2009.

The Betfair platform now processes more than six million transactions per day and handled more than 500 million individual bets in the past year on the betting exchange alone.

David Yu, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Reaching our three millionth customer is a significant achievement of which I am extremely proud. Our continued growth is a testament to Betfair appealing to a wider range of people than ever before."

April 27, 2010

Dragonfish launches Bingo Hollywood as standalone network

Dragonfish, the B2B division of 888 Holdings Plc, yesterday launched a new standalone bingo network, Bingo Hollywood (bingohollywood.com).

Dragonfish will provide Bingo Hollywood with a fully managed bingo solution, including software and a selection of marketing services. In addition, Dragonfish will provide Bingo Hollywood with a comprehensive suite of Quickplay instant format games including slots, blackjack, virtual sport and scratch cards.

The brand aims to become a major player in the bingo market. The launch will be supported with a major TV advertising campaign in the UK, beginning on May 4th, and numerous launch promotions including an aggressive sign up bonus.

Gabi Campos, Managing Director of Dragonfish, said, "The online bingo market in the UK is continuing to grow, and there remain opportunities for exciting brands to obtain significant market share. The combination of the Bingo Hollywood brand and Dragonfish's leading bingo solution provides a platform from which to build a prominent new player."

Derek Morran, CEO of Bingo Hollywood, said, "Interest in Bingo Hollywood has been amazing and test results have been exceptional. We knew we had to do something very different, so we created a brand combining Hollywood glamour, celebrity gossip and bingo entertainment. So far the result has been incredible and together with our Dragonfish partners, we expect to make a very big splash in the UK bingo market."

April 27, 2010

Victor Chandler enters Spain with new brand

Victor Chandler has entered Spain and launched under new brand Mister Apuestas.

The recent launch will be supported by several marketing campaigns featuring company Chairman Victor Chandler as Mister Apuestas.

Victor Chandler said, “Sport is a central part of Spanish culture. I believe that there is an opportunity to build a very strong business there. It won’t be easy as there is a lot of competition who have beaten us into the market, but I am confident my marketing will be distinctive.”

The company said in a release it had decided to launch in Spain using a local brand rather than its own VC brand, a decision taken following a detailed research into the Spanish market. The new Spanish facing brand follows Victor Chandler launching in South Africa, ahead of the football World Cup.

April 23, 2010

Redbet gaming drop and share trading halted 

Redbet reports a drop in gaming turnover during February through March, accordingly to a statement the drop is seen in the company's poker operations.

In a statement Wednesday Redbet Chief Executive Jörgen Andersson said, While the average daily turnover for the company's first six weeks 2010 showed an increase of 12 percent compared to the fourth quarter 2009, we have since seen a drop in the daily turnover from end of February through the month of March. Trading being halted in Redbet shares may appear drastic, but as a clear and negative trend was identified in trading of company shares, in combination that we suspected that the information had become known to a wider audience, we decided together with First North to halt trading and issue the press release to avoid speculation.

Our assessment is however that with Redbet's strong gaming portfolio, the trend will change as we increase number of players as well as revenue per player, and more details will be disclosed upon the release of our 2010 first quarter report.

April 23, 2010

Bet365 premium profit growth

Third fastest growing profit of private companies in Britain.

Accordingly to Sunday Times and PricewaterhouseCoopers Profit Track 100 league table, Bet365 online gaming business grew profits by an average of 138 percent a year over the three year assessment period.

Group profits rose from £5.2 million in 2006 to £70.8 million in 2009, despite the losses incurred by English Premier League football team Stoke City FC, which is owned by Bet365.

April 23, 2010

Net Entertainment signs major European

gaming operator

Net Entertainment has signed an agreement with a major European gaming operator for delivery of CasinoModule. The operator, who remain anonymous at this time, has an extensive player base making it one of Europe's leading gaming sites.

The contract will allow the operator to offer its player base the complete Net Entertainment product portfolio. This includes Net Entertainment's Multi Player casino games and progressive jackpot network. Through the seamless wallet functionality, the operator will also be able to place games throughout its site supporting extensive cross promotional activities.

”This is a definite proof that our customers chooses Net Entertainment not only for the superior quality of our games but also for the range of platform features enabling the provisioning of a great player experience”, comments Johan Öhman, CEO for Net Entertainment.

April 23, 2010

Ladbrokes corporate tax settlement

Ladbrokes said Wednesday that it expects cash in the region of £80 million in respect of corporation tax repayable from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Ladbrokes plc has reached a settlement with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) which covers substantially all outstanding items in respect of tax years through to 31 December 2007. Ladbrokes expects a cash receipt in 2010 of approximately £80 million in respect of corporation tax repayable from HMRC.

The settlement results in the recognition in the 2010 Income Statement, within the tax charge, of a £262 million tax credit in relation to prior years. Of this credit, £216 million relates to current tax, and £46 million relates to the recognition of a deferred tax asset. This asset primarily reflects the recognition of tax losses available for offset in future periods.

The finance charge in 2010 will be reduced by approximately £20 million to reflect the interest consequences of the settlement. Our guidance for the effective accounting tax rate over the medium term remains unchanged at 19%. We anticipate that the cash tax rate over the same period will fall to about 15% to reflect the utilisation of tax losses.

April 21, 2010

PokerStars acquires online poker portals

PokerStars has announced that it has acquired three online poker portals, including PokerPages.com, PlayWinningPoker.com and Poker-Babes.com.

PokerPages.com was originally launched in 2000 featuring strategy articles, interviews and poker room directory as well as a tournament results. Similar content was featured on PlayWinningPoker.com, which also was one of the first online poker strategy guides, including sections on Texas Hold'em, Omaha, tournaments, blinds play, poker psychology, bankroll management and other sections of both online and live poker play.

Poker-Babes.com was launched in 2003 by Shirley Rosario, a successful tournament player, and one of the first sites to offer player profiles and photos of famous and successful poker players in addition to offering strategy articles on games like Omaha, Razz and Badugi.

April 21, 2010

Gaming VC damage claim against Boss Media

Gaming VC has filed a claim in the First Hall Civil Court of Malta for “substantial damages” against Boss Media, St Minver and parent company.

Gaming VC announced in its results Monday that the planned expansion of its Casino Club brand outside the German speaking markets had been delayed by one of two disputes with software provider Boss Media.

The first of these relates to alleged infringement of Gaming VC’s intellectual property, the second over Boss’ decision to terminate its contract to provide poker and downloadable casino to Gaming VC’s Italian facing website Betaland.com.

April 21, 2010

NetPlay TV plc awarded GamCare certification

NetPlay TV plc announce that it has received full GamCare certification for SuperCasino.com and ChallengeJackpot.com.

GamCare Certification has been awarded to NetPlayTV as the Company has demonstrated high levels of social responsibility and player protection while meeting or excelling in all conditions outlined by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission.

Commenting on the Certification, Martin Higginson, Group CEO of NetPlayTV said, "We are delighted that NetplayTV has been awarded this industry recognised award for social responsibility and player protection. NetPlayTV has always been focussed on allowing players to gamble responsibly through its sites and doing its utmost to protect its players. This GamCare Certification is testament to the high level of responsibility that NetplayTV sets itself."

Andy McLellan, GamCare CEO said, "I am thrilled that GamCare, through the Certification process, has contributed to enhanced player protection systems for those gaming with NetPlay TV. I am particularly delighted that, as part of their ongoing commitment to social responsibility, NetPlay TV displays GamCare's HelpLine contact details on screen, so that anyone wanting help to stay in control has that information at their fingertips."

April 20, 2010

AB Groupe to join PartyGaming’s French Poker Network

PartyGaming’s French poker network is continuing to grow with French TV broadcaster AB Groupe the latest to join.

PartyGaming, today announces its second B2B deal in France with an exclusive multi-year agreement to provide a white label online poker service for AB Groupe, one of the country’s leading TV broadcasters.

The new service will be branded ‘LuckyJeux’ and will join PartyGaming’s French poker network which will also include www.partypoker.fr. Once PartyGaming obtains the required licence and is operational, players on the network will benefit from a shared pool of player liquidity operating on a single platform.

AB Groupe has approximately 52 million paid subscribers and offers 15 subscription channels in France and other French speaking countries, including RTL9, AB1 and AB MOTEURS. The new LuckyJeux poker service will be extensively promoted across the AB Groupe network both on air and online.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Jim Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of PartyGaming, said, “AB Groupe is a first rate addition to our French poker network and is consistent with our stated strategy of combining B2C and B2B offerings in newly regulated markets. Together with our recently announced alliance with PMU, we are in great shape ahead of the market opening and are excited about our prospects.”

April 19, 2010

Dragonfish signs Prime Gaming

Dragonfish, the B2B division of 888 Holdings, announces agreement with Prime Gaming to provide bingo solution.

Based in Cyprus, Prime Gaming has been operating for five years with a number of leading online gaming brands: Prime Casino, Prime Scratch Cards, Prime Poker and Prime Backgammon and now to be launched through Dragonfish Prime Bingo.

Prime Gaming is able to create sufficient liquidity through cross-selling initiatives supported by a significant marketing budget to warrant the development of two standalone networks, one targeted at the UK and a further network aimed at the pan-European market, powered by Dragonfish.

Dragonfish will provide Prime Gaming with a fully managed bingo solution based on the Total Gaming Services offering: provision of chat moderators, ePayments systems, customer care, hosting and full technology services including back office and platform integration. Dragonfish will also provide a comprehensive suite of Quickplay instant format games including slots, blackjack, virtual sport and scratch cards. As well as the two standalone networks, Prime Gaming has also recently launched a skin on the Dragonfish bingo network, bingoyard.com.

The deal takes the number of standalone bingo networks powered by Dragonfish to 19, and the Dragonfish bingo network itself continues to grow, now supporting over 60 brands.

Gabi Campos, Managing Director of Dragonfish, said, “Combining the existing assets and knowledge of an experienced partner such as Prime Gaming and the strength of the Dragonfish bingo platform provides a strong base from which to drive growth on the network. We look forward to working with Prime Gaming to maximise the potential of Prime Bingo.”

Chris Panayiotou, COO of Prime Gaming, said, “We are delighted to join Dragonfish and take advantage of their skills and experience in providing full service Bingo. We are confident of our ability to rapidly expand our share of the bingo market through this partnership.”

April 19, 2010

Wagerlogic and Marvel in arbitration 

Material breach related to licensing of Marvel comic book characters?

Cryptologic announces that arbitration proceedings have been formally commenced by Wagerlogic Ltd. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Cryptologic Limited) against Marvel Enterprises Inc. and Marvel Enterprises B.V. (collectively "Marvel"), under the JAMS Comprehensive Rules in New York City, USA.

These proceedings concern Wagerlogic Ltd.'s claims that Marvel has committed material breaches of certain provisions of its agreement with Wagerlogic Ltd. relating to the licensing of Marvel comic book characters to Wagerlogic Ltd. While Cryptologic had sought to resolve the issue without resorting to arbitration, the Company has been left with no alternative to taking this step to protect its licensing rights and commercial interests.

April 17, 2010

Operators bets safe according to French casino law 

Sportingbet, Unibet, bwin and 888 wins lawsuit in Paris courts.

Barrière; Joagroupe, Tranchant and the Casinos de France trade union sued the four operators for illegal competition earlier in February, as the operators offered casino style games to French internet users.

The casinos claimed the games to be in contravention of current gaming legislation, and in contravention of the egaming regulation set to come into effect in June, following approval by France’s National Assembly earlier this month, prohibiting licensed operators from offering online casino games to French players.

The casino groups asked that Sportingbet, Unibet, bwin and 888 were prevented from licensing during a two year period, and a symbolic payment of €1 in damages, plus €30,000 to cover legal costs. However the legal action has been dismissed by the court.

Petter Nylander, Unibet Chief Executive said, “We are pleased with this judgment. For the future we hope that the French regulations for online casinos can be addressed within the context of a constructive dialogue and considering the interests of all stakeholders, notably consumers."

April 17, 2010

Harrah's seeks Nevada suitability approval for 888

888's business to business arm Dragonfish seeks Nevada approval through partner Harrah's Entertainment. 

As reported by 888 and following the deal between Dragonfish and Harrah's Interactive Entertainment (HIE) on September 11, 2009, where Dragonfish will provide services to support the UK launch and roll-out of HIE's World Series of Poker and Caesars Casino brands. Harrah's, which is registered with the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC), submitted to the NGC and the Nevada State Gaming Control Board an application for a finding of suitability concerning HIE's supplier relationship with Dragonfish.

The application relates to state law in Nevada that covers Nevada gaming companies conducting gaming outside the state of Nevada.

April 16, 2010

Chartwell signs deal with Casino Austria International

Chartwell announces the deployment of its flash-based, online casino platform to Casinos Austria International (CAI).

The Vienna based casino, gaming and entertainment company currently operates 38 land based casinos in 16 countries, 8 shipboard casinos, 15 slot parlors and a range of lottery products in Argentina. CAI posted aggregate revenues of 860 million euro for 2009.

“Over the past 18 months we have refocused our efforts on delivering the most exciting online casino gaming platform”, commented Dave Acorn, COO of Chartwell. “Confirmation of the success of our strategy is clearly evident by the selection of our gaming platform by this preeminent casino operator”.

“The vast structure of the CAI operations presented numerous technological challenges”, adds Dave Acorn. “By overcoming these obstacles we have enhanced the ability to provide our flashbased online casino platform to geographically diverse casino operators”.

“Tapping into the world of online gaming is an important as well as a natural step for CAI as we continue to diversify, integrating new innovative products into our portfolio”, says Casinos Austria International CEO Paul Herzfeld. “We are delighted to have Chartwell Technology as our trusted technology partner in this new venture and look forward to the launch of the customized casino platform as we further develop our activities as a trusted provider in regulated online gaming markets.”

April 16, 2010

Betfair gears up for IPO

Betfair hires Morgan Stanley director Mark Brooker as head of strategy.

As reported by eGaming Review, Betfair have confirmed Brooker's hire but don't wish to comment further. It do however appear, accordingly to industry sources, that Betfair has held a number of meetings with leading institutional investment advisors, including Fidelity and Gartmore.

Betfair co-founder Andrew Black confirmed in the April issue of eGaming Review, that investors in the business were keen that a liquidity event happens in the near future. “I think the investor base collectively would want us to make money available to them at some point and we have an obligation to do that,” he said.

Black continued, “We do have people who are saying ‘well, hang on a sec, I think you guys have done a great job, I’m pretty happy I invested in you, but actually I’ve been sitting here waiting for my money back and you haven’t given it to me; and while I’m pleased that you’ve grown my little investment into something quite meaningful I would like to get my hands on the dosh’.”

Andrew Black and co-founder Ed Wray owns a combined 25 percent stake in the business. Japanese bank SoftBank 23 percent through a deal that valued the business at £1.5 billion in 2006. The company has further a number of other smaller shareholders, including Balderton Capital with 7 percent, a deal that followed the Softbank deal.

April 15, 2010

Sportingbet to LSE main market

Sportingbet plc confirm proposal to move to the main list.

Sportingbet plc confirmed this morning its intention to apply for admission to the official listing of the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market, with the company also providing notice of its intended cancellation of trading of its shares on London’s AIM Market on the same day.

Sportingbet said it believes the official LSE Main Market listing is the most appropriate platform for the continued growth of the company by increasing Sportingbet’s profile.

Sportingbet expects the company's ordinary shares at a nominal value of 0.1 pence each, to be admitted to the official list and cancelled on AIM effective on or around May 14th.

The admission is subject to receipt of the necessary approvals from the UK Listing Authority and the London Stock Exchange, which is expected to be received  within approximately 20 business days.

April 15, 2010

Live Dealer Evolution accredited by eCogra certification

Live dealer provider Evolution Gaming has become one of the first in its sector to achieve the high standards required for the eCOGRA Certified Live Dealer Seal.

Explaining the significance of the Certified Live Dealer Seal, eCOGRA CEO Andrew Beveridge said this week that the relevant eGAP or international best practice standards required had been specifically designed for the distinct nature of live dealer operations, in which live games are streamed over the Internet in real time from casino studio environments managed by pitbosses and staffed by croupiers.

"Evolution Gaming operates a very tight ship, and the cooperation of chief operating officer Svante Liljevall and the technical and operational staff in Riga was outstanding," Muirhead wrote in his report to the Independent Directors controlling the issue of eCOGRA seals.

Congratulating the management and staff in Riga on achieving the eCOGRA accreditation, Evolution Gaming chief executive officer Jens von Bahr said: "As a company we have always tried to lead rather than follow, and I am delighted that you have been successful in satisfying a tough but very practical set of international best practice standards.

April 14, 2010

Sky Bet launched iPhone sportsbook

British Sky Broadcasting's interactive gaming division Sky Bet has announced the launch of iPhone betting service through partnership with mobile specialist mkodo.

iPhone customers represent about one third of total users on the SkyBet.mobi site and meeting demands the new mobile sportsbook service was launched last Friday, ahead of the largest single betting day in the UK, the Grand National horse race at Aintree.

Sky Bet’s Sportsbook Director Ben Warn said, “The new service was made available to our iPhone audience for their further enjoyment of the Aintree meeting. The iPhone optimised version recognised iPhone/iPod browsers as they hit the platform and rendered the appropriate site making it an easy, and seamless, adoption for our iPhone customers.”

Mark Gibson, Business Development Manager at mkodo said, “We are delighted to be working on some exciting new developments coming out with the Sky Bet iPhone Sportsbook. The mkodo platform provides the ability to deep-link to optimised iPhone betting markets from banner ads on Sky Bet’s other mobile applications – this makes the proposition very exciting from a targeted promotion and user-acquisition perspective.”

April 14, 2010

Poker Channel France to be launched in June

Europe’s largest gaming TV network is shortly to launch Poker Channel France, a dedicated poker channel aimed at French viewers.

Poker Channel France will offer exclusive French language poker entertainment to over four million TV subscribers in France from the 8th of June, with satellite TV expansion to another five million French subscribers by September.

Chris White, Managing Director of Poker Channel Europe said, "The company is able to finally give both advertisers and viewers what they’ve been demanding for so long. This is a fantastic opportunity to promote the game to an even larger audience, from beginners to pros.”

The Poker Channel, owned by Pokerheaven and InTouch Gaming owner Gaming Media Group, said that discussions are in progress with several leading online gaming operators looking at exclusive marketing partnership to begin in June.

Poker Channel France will be available at launch to subscribers of Numericable, Freebox (the TV service from Iliad Group), Neufbox (SFR) and Bbox (Bouygues Telecom), and will offer French-language coverage of all major events including the WSOP, EPT and WPT; tutorial shows, daily news updates and exclusive tournaments.

The Channel is also adding three new territories to its pan-European feed, including Latvia today and with Austria and Monaco in May and June, taking the expansion to a total of 28 countries and 22 million TV homes.

April 13, 2010

Dragonfish extends Cashcade agreement

888 Holdings B2B division Dragonfish has signed a long-term extension to its existing agreement with Cashcade.

Under the terms of the agreement, which will run for an additional period of up to two years until May 2014, Dragonfish will provide Cashcade Group brands with a bingo solution including full technology services, back office and platform integration. ePayment solutions will also be provided for specific countries.

Cashcade owns several brands in the rapidly growing UK bingo market, including Foxy Bingo, Cheeky Bingo and Think Bingo. These standalone networks, along with Little Big Bingo, Bingo Scotland and Foxy Zero, are powered by Dragonfish bingo software. ITV Bingo is the most recent addition to the Cashcade portfolio.

Gabi Campos, Managing Director of Dragonfish said, "Our partnership with Cashcade has been enormously successful, and we have enjoyed seeing their brands such as Foxy Bingo, Cheeky Bingo and Think Bingo become the most identifiable and popular in the online bingo arena. I am delighted that they have chosen to extend the length of the contract, and we look forward to seeing their brands achieve further growth. Major standalone networks require software with sufficient flexibility to allow a variety of marketing campaigns that can be integrated into the back office, and Dragonfish can provide this."

April 13, 2010

Ladbrokes exits Italian retail business

Ladbrokes plc has agreed to sell its Italian retail betting and gaming business to an affiliate of Cogetech S.p.A. at approximately €5.25 million.

Cogetech S.p.A. is one of Italy’s leading online and land based operators, with more than 38,000 AWPs in about 16,000 points of sale across Italy. The deal includes Ladbrokes’ Italian retail business for the expected cash consideration of €5.25 million, payable on completion and approval of the deal by Italian competition authorities.

Cogetech will also assume responsibility for approximately €18 million of guarantees currently provided by Ladbrokes, in addition to Ladbrokes’ head office in Milan, 82 shops and 51 corners located throughout Italy.

Ladbrokes said that its Italian retail business made a loss of £9.9 million in 2009, with a carrying value of the business of £26.7 million. Making an exit from the Italian retail business, Ladbrokes will still maintain a presence in Italy with an increased focus on its online offering.

April 12, 2010

Gaming VC operations implements G2's Gaming Management System

Gaming VC transfers its gaming operation to GTECH G2’s updated Gaming Management System (GMS).

Single wallet access to all gaming and betting products while also enabling Gaming VC to better understand its customers. In addition to single wallet access to casino, poker, bingo, sports betting and side games, G2’s GMS enables Gaming VC to develop targeted marketing campaigns using comprehensive reporting functions of the back-end system. GMS further allows for a seamless integration of new games from a majority of software providers as a result of its open architecture.

“We needed a very flexible backend tool that allowed us to analyse gaming data instantly and get a full picture of the activities in our casino,” said Thomas Tietjen, Head of Operations at Gaming VC. “Our new GMS back end enables us to push segmented promotional activities."

“One of the most important features of the system for us is the Report Wizard which allows us to tailor our own reports. This feature enables us to create on point data selection for targeted promotions and guarantees return of revenues.”

Also included in the newly updated GMS are social responsibility tools which enable operators to closely monitor player activity and where players set their own game play limits.

April 12, 2010

NeoGames deal with Daily Mirror

NeoGames Limited signs scratch card agreement to supply Trinity Mirror Group’s The Daily Mirror.

Under the agreement, NeoGames will provide an all managed solution for the launch of Mirrorscratchcards.co.uk, aimed for the UK market, with both parties claiming The Daily Mirror to be the first UK national newspaper to launch an online scratch card brand. The new site will feature over 70 games fully operated by NeoGames, with players able to play and win up to £200,000.

“This is an exciting launch for us and Mirrorscratchcards.co.uk will fit perfectly with our existing portfolio of online entertainment channels,” said Jonathan Bury, Head of Commercial Partnerships for MGN Digital, the digital division of Trinity Mirror. “We are delighted to partner with NeoGames and to be the first national newspaper to launch this type of online games brand. We look forward to a fruitful working relationship moving forward.”

The deal further expands Daily Mirror’s portfolio of gaming products, including online bingo and casino offering from PartyGaming’s Cashcade, and an online lotto offering through Tipp24’s MyLotto24.

“We feel very honoured to have entered an agreement with one of the UK’s most esteemed media brands and see this partnership as an important milestone,” said Shay Bar Joseph, Managing Director of NeoGames Network. “It also shows the widespread appeal and diversity that our product range has and will enhance the online entertainment of The Daily Mirror.”

April 12, 2010

GTECH G2 achieves eCogra software certification

Boss Media, part of the GTECH G2 group, was this week awarded the eCOGRA software certification following a rigorous on-site review.

The software supplier standards focus on the internal controls governing the development environment in order to ensure the software is implemented, maintained and continuously operated in a safe, secure and reliable manner.

Andrew Beveridge, chief executive officer of eCOGRA, said that the review had gone exceptionally well and applauded the company on its achievement of certification.

“This is a highly respected industry company that has been active in the business for over a decade, and the process efficiencies and very high software quality reflect that,” he said. “On behalf of eCOGRA’s Independent Directors I congratulate GTECH G2 and Boss Media and its employees on a very professional effort.”

GTECH G2 Chief Operating Officer and CEO of Boss Media, Johan Berg, said that the company has always been committed to the highest possible quality in both products and operational conduct.

“Our achievement in meeting eCOGRA’s demanding software certification standards reaffirms that commitment and provides us with a useful and internationally accepted benchmark against which we can measure our performance.”

April 9, 2010

Entraction signs Vegas365 poker

Entraction signs agreement to deliver poker software and poker network access with European Sportsbook PlanetWin365 and brand Vegas365.

Entraction poker will sit alongside other gaming products in Planetwin365’s sister brand Vegas365 Poker and strengthen the position of the company’s position in both the South and Eastern European market.

“Adding this major European Poker Network is a great boost for Vegas365 Poker and signals the intent of this company to continue to offer its customers the best products in today’s competitive market” says Daniela Lanzolla, Managing Director of eGaming Consulting (EGC), which manages Marketing and Gaming Operations for the Vegas365 brand.

“We are pleased to have signed an agreement for Vegas365 Poker and to work with EGC. We know Daniela Lanzolla and her experienced team well from other gaming ventures and are convinced that this will be a fruitful and lasting relationship,” says Peter Åström, CEO, Entraction.

April 9, 2010

Mangas Gaming signs France's M6

Mangas Gaming has announced a strategic partnership with French multimedia conglomerate M6 Group.

Mangas Gaming owns brands such as Everest Poker, Expekt and Betclic and Metropole 6 (M6) is the second most watched private television service in France. The deal is for four years and will see Everest and Betclic products offered via M6's network of websites, and where Mangas brands will sponsor poker and sports content across M6's all nine digital channels, as well as collaborate with the group to produce content for broadcast.

The four year deal will be fully implemented once BetClic and Everest holds the required licences, following the French vote in favour to legalise online gambling which is expected to open the French gaming market to international operators.

Nicolas Béraud, chief executive of Mangas Gaming said, "We are delighted about the visibility M6 will provide to our brands and services on both its channels and websites, especially in the poker segment."

Valéry Gerfaud, managing director of M6 Web said, "We have chosen to actively participate in the growth of the online gaming industry by joining our forces to the leading French sports betting and online gambling group and providing our know-how in contents creation and interactivity."

April 8, 2010

France to legalise online gambling

France’s National Assembly has voted in favour of a bill to legalise online gambling.

The bill, which passed a first reading by the Senate in February, remains only to be approved by the European Union and France’s Conseil d'Etat (Supreme Court) and Conseil Constitutionnel (Constitutional Council), meaning that French citizens are likely to be able to place online sports bets ahead of the football World Cup this summer.

In a statement budget minister François Baroin said he was “convinced this solution will allow us to gradually drain the black-market of online gaming by creating a legal alternative”.

Monopolies La Francaise Des Jeux (FDJ) and Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU) have both taken measures to enhance both their brands and their product offerings

April 8, 2010

Chartwell new executive

Chartwell Technology Inc has announced the appointment of former Jadestone executive Andrew Pegler as Sales Director of Chartwell Games International.

Chartwell said that Pegler, a former Senior Commercial Director at Sky Interactive (BSkyB) and most recently, Commercial Director of the Jadestone Group AB, has consistently displayed his ability to develop business-to-business partnerships with a broad range of gaming brands that include Betfair, Unibet, Gala Coral and Nordicbet.

“We are delighted to welcome Andrew to our team”, said Daniel Phillips, CEO of Chartwell Games. “He is a seasoned operator in our industry and his experience, knowledge and leadership will be a valuable asset to our company moving forward as we strengthen current business relationships and create new revenue opportunities in our core and emerging markets”.

“I am very excited to be joining Chartwell at such an extremely positive time,” added Pegler. “Having refocused on its traditionally strong casino product, Chartwell is now rolling out some truly outstanding games and features.”

April 8, 2010

Ladbrokes teams up with CANAL +

Ladbrokes plc has entered into a joint venture agreement with CANAL+ to launch an online betting and gaming service under new French gaming legislation approved Tuesday.

The joint venture is a 50-50 deal and conditional upon competition law clearances and subject to the new regulations, will see each party invest an initial £2.25 million to fund the business.

Under the agreement the JV is set to launch online gaming under a new brand during 2010, where Ladbrokes will provide its betting and gaming expertise and technology, and where Canal+ will provide media access, brand and potential consumers and its experience of the French market. Canal+ Group holds approximately 10.8 million subscribers in France and revenues were in excess of €4.5 billion last year. 

Accordingly to the agreement Ladbrokes plc agrees not to operate in the French market with any other business as an operator of online games or betting whilst a shareholder in the JV and for a period of two years thereafter.

"Canal+ is a brand that is synonymous with sport in France. We believe that there is an opportunity to build a good business in France over time as the market and regulation develop,” said John O'Reilly, Ladbrokes' Managing Director of Remote Betting and Gaming.

Groupe CANAL+ President Bertrand Meheut added, "Ladbrokes is one of the world's leading bookmakers with a strong heritage in this sector. We look forward to working with Ladbrokes to establish one of the leading betting businesses in France."

April 8, 2010

Redbet appoints new chief executive

Former Expekt.com Marketing Manager Jörgen Andersson new Chief Executive of Redbet.

Replacing Chief Executive Thorvald Bohlin, who will take a seat on the company’s board, Jörgen Andersson will take over as Chief Executive by end of April. Mr. Andersson was previously Marketing Manager at Expekt until the company’s acquisition by Mangas Gaming.

Thorvald Bohlin said, "When I joined Redbet over a year ago my mission was very clear - to clean up and lay the foundation for a sustainable strategy and to create conditions for profitable growth.”

“It has been an extensive job but has been achieved relatively quickly due to our knowledgeable and engaged employees. The assessment of the Board and I is that we have now created order with a strong new organization with gambling competences and a stronger offering, ready to take the next step in our vision."

Jörgen Andersson added, "I look forward to step in as the new CEO of Redbet which after a comprehensive restructuring is now ready to seriously move forward its position."

April 6, 2010

BetClic and Juventus signs sponsor deal

Italy’s Juventus and Betclick UK signs two year sponsor agreement, starting July 1st this year.

Juventus said that the agreement is a result from the football clubs new commercial strategy which seeks to maximise revenues from sponsorship. Juventus will as such have two shirt sponsors in the coming seasons, Betclick as the main sponsor for its home team kit and a second sponsor for its away team kit.

Juventus President Jean-Claude Balnc said, “In a very difficult economic context, we have identified an international partner of primary standing with which to put into practice an innovative commercial strategy which shares the rights of the first and the second jersey.”

Betclick’s logo will appear on the primary kit of Juventus in all national and international competitions from July 1st 2010 through to June 30th 2012 for an initial payment of €16 million with “a further amount” determined by the clubs results.

April 6, 2010

Tipp24 strong international growth

Tipp24 AG reports a 95 percent increase in total revenues to €89.6 million for 2009.

In its fiscal year 2009, Tipp24 increased revenues by 95.4 percent to €89,6 million, from €45,8 million in the previous year. Consolidated earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) grew to €23 million, versus €8,9 million the previous year.

There was strong growth in revenues generated outside Germany to €88,5 million and a corresponding rise in EBIT of the abroad segment to €32,7 million, and where Spain, Italy and the UK shows strong growth.

In view of the earnings and experience gained in its abroad segment in 2009, Tipp24 expects consolidated revenues to increase to at least €100 million and EBIT to reach at least €40 million in 2010.

April 2, 2010

Playtech launches Italian bingo network

Playtech has announced the launch of its Italian online bingo network in real money mode, compliant with Italy’s regulatory authority AAMS.

The launch of the bingo network in real money mode follows a successful test period of operations in play mode during several months, and where existing operators is migrating to real money mode, and where more operators joining in the near future. Playtech said that its bingo network is set to become one of the leading networks in the growing Italian market.

Playtech Head of Bingo Moty Arcuschin said, “Following the great success of the iPoker.it network and the bingo network in fun mode, we expect the real money mode to perform just as well, with the network becoming one of the leading bingo networks in Italy.”

“We have invested heavily into the bingo offering, including customizing the product to appeal to the local Italian audience, and are obviously fully compliant with the relevant regulatory bodies. Working with the leading gaming operators in Italy."

April 1, 2010