BetonSports case "not part of a coordinated federal crackdown on the industry"
US Justice Department spokesperson Jackie Leach has hinted that its actions against BetonSports are "not part of a coordinated federal crackdown on the industry". Speaking to The Houston Chronicle, Leach said that the Justice Department would only pursue cases that have the strongest evidence and greatest potential for deterrence, and that the BetonSports indictments were sealed on June 1.
Victor Chandler prime for takeover bid
With a flourishing business in Europe and Asia - and no exposure in the US - industry experts have identified Victor Chandler as a prime acquisition target. Company founder Victor Chandler confirmed that there had already been some interest and did not rule out the possibility of a takeover, suggesting "everything has a price".
Great Yarmouth heads field for large casino licence
Great Yarmouth has topped the Casino Advisory Panel's shortlist for one of eight large casino licences with 54 points, putting it ahead of other contenders including Canterbury, Leeds, Luton and Southampton. Managing director of Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, Albert Jones, confirmed he was in discussion with two major casino operators with a view to bidding for the licence for the attraction.
Sega Sammy posts first quarter results
The first quarter financial results for Sega Sammy show that its net profits drop by nearly 93 per cent, following a downturn in sales of Sammy's pachinko slot machines. However, Sega Sammy made no changes to its full year predictions, with an expected net profit rise of 13.3 percent to ¥75 billion (£350m) on a 23.3 percent increase in revenue of ¥682 billion (£3.2bn).
Hermes continues on the bingo acquisition trail
Not deterred by the potential impact of next year's English smoking ban, the private-equity arm of fund-management group Hermes is now favourite to acquire the Beacon Bingo chain for approximately £80m. Hermes has fought off competition from rival bidders and entered into exclusive talks with Beacon's parent company Thomas Holdings.
IG bosses cash in on strong results
Directors and senior managers at spread-betting firm IG Group last week disposed of £42m worth of shares, accounting for around 6.1 per cent of the company. The sale was announced the day after IG posted strong year-end results, eating into some of the gains registered by the group's shares.
GamCare concern over pub fruit machines
GamCare has urged publicans to train their staff to monitor fruit machines, after its latest research showed that 24 per cent of all callers to its helpline in 2005 cited the pub as the location they played on fruit machines. Adrian Scarfe, head of clinical services at GamCare said: "At gaming centres where fruit machines are a central part of the business we train gaming staff, but publicans have other problems to think about."
Climate change could boost UK resorts
A report carried out by the University of East Anglia's Climatic Research Unit has indicated that resorts such as Blackpool could see a "dramatic" change in tourism in the next 20 years due to climate change. Published in the Journal of Sustainable Tourism, the study suggests that scores of tourists could flock to the UK to try to escape excessive summer temperatures in continental Europe.
Fallon ban upheld in High Court
Jockey Kieron Fallon has failed to have his blanket ban on riding in Britain lifted before he is brought to trial on charges of conspiracy to defraud. Refusing him an injunction, Mr Justice Davis said: "Racing might suffer damage in the perception of the public if Fallon were allowed to continue racing while facing fraud charges."
Acquisitions enhance Gamingking profits
After it completed three acquisitions during the last financial year, lottery products supplier Gamingking has seen its annual pre-tax profit more than double from £23,000 to £63,000. Its turnover also rose from £3.06m to £5.28m, with the firm predicting that its sales performance will improve over coming months.
Gaming industry makes 21 million ID checks per year
New research on behalf of the fraud prevention speciiiaaaaaliiiiiiizzzzzzzts GB Group has found that an average of 500 million identity checks are performed in the UK every year, with the number set to rise to 750 million by 2010. The gaming industry makes 21 million checks per year - six million online and 15 million offline.
Video gaming hits the big screen
To coincide with the release of the new Disney - Pixar film, Cars, cinemagoers are being offered the chance to play the tie-in video game on the big screen at six Vue cinemas around Britain. This has been made possible by the new digital projectors, which can also be used to project a diverse range of events, from sports events to surgical operations.
Korea launches arcade crackdown
The Korean government has launched an aggressive law enforcement campaign aimed at that country's 14,000 arcades and online cafes, some 11,000 of which are suspected of running illegal gambling operations. The Korean Supreme Prosecutor's Office has already arrested more than 400 people and seized 5.8 billion won (£3.2m), and the National Tax Service has begun auditing 54 amusement centres.
Firefighters free pier worker
Firefighters were called to Brighton Pier last Friday after a rollercoaster operator slipped and trapped her leg under one of the ride's cars. Pier general manager Anne Grainger said the woman, who was freed after an hour and taken to hospital, was not badly hurt.
Arcade operator expresses flower power
Amusement arcade owner Robert Parkin staved off council officials in West Bay, Dorset, armed with three policemen, a digger and a lorry from removing the prize-winning flower display outside his premises. After a three hour confrontation, the policemen persuaded the council to back down and urged Parkin to make a belated application for planning permission.
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