European online company faces German ban
The German state of Saxony announced that it was 'taking measures' to ban Bwin, formerly BetandWin, in the country, and would move to prohibit operations in the area before withdrawing its license. The online gaming company said that if the withdrawal was confirmed, it would sue for up to euros500 million.
Glasgow must upgrade transport for super-casino license
The Casino Advisory Panel (CAP) has said that Scotland's transport links must be improved if Glasgow is to win the UK's first super-casino license. A checklist issued by the CAP has asked for 'assurances on the progress' of proposed transport links which would include Glasgow Airport Rail Link and the M74 development.
Pleasure Beach most popular again
Blackpool Pleasure Beach which attracts 6 million visitors a year, has fought off competition from the likes of the Natural History Museum, the National Gallery and Tate Modern to become the UK's most popular tourist attraction for the second year running. Brighton Pier made a surprise first entry in VisitBritain's annual list with 4.5 million visitors, ranking it at third in the league table, marginally behind the British Museum.
UBS boost Rank
Swiss broker UBS has urged investors to pile money into Rank before the leisure company announces its results next month. Brokers from the firm are speculating that the owners of Mecca Bingo will confirm the sale of its Hard Rock chain as well as a substantial return of cash to investors.
Paddy Power adds Parlay bingo
Paddy Power has added Parlay Entertainment's Parlay Bingo platform to its stable of online games. The game is entitled Paddy Power Bingo and was developed by Parlay in co-operation with turnkey operator The Gaming Network.
Murphy added to Sega team
Sega Amusements Europe has added former Brent Electronic sales director Peter Murphy as the head of its new spares business. His appointment comes as part of the company's current 'aggressive' expansion beyond the video game manufacturing market.
Lottery winners stay near bingo hall
A couple who won £2.5 million on the National Lottery have vowed not to move because they want to stay close to their local bingo hall. John and Pat Davies, who are described as 'bingo mad', even said they would still drive there in their Vauxhall Astra despite the win.
Carruthers bail proving difficult
BetonSports former chief executive, David Carruthers, will be detained in the U.S. until at least the weekend as his lawyer and family struggle to put together the bail requirements set by a Missouri court. His lawyer Tim Evans said that it was 'proving difficult' to raise the $1 million bail money quickly and that renting a suitable house in the St Louis, Missouri area, another condition of the hearing, would take time.
Blackpool submits casino planning application
The organisation responsible for Blackpool's regional casino bid has submitted a formal planning application to the city council for the venue. ReBlackpool is hoping that submitting planning consent to the Casino Advisory Panel before December's decision would demonstrate the willingness of the council to support a bid.
Nearly 15 million people visit Britain
The UK has experienced a six per cent rise in overseas visitors in the first six months of 2006, taking this years figure to 14.9 million people according to the Office of National Statistics. Those visitors also spent more than £6 billion while in the UK, up six per cent on the same period last year.
Jackpot Factory suspension lifted
eCOGRA's Compliance Committee has decided to lift the suspension of Jackpot Factory's 'Play it Safe' seal after finding 'no evidence to suggest that Jackpot Factory management had any deliberate intention to encourage vulnerable persons to participate in gambling activities at group casinos'. The Jackpot Factory group will now be subject to increased monitoring and has subsequently donated $25,000 to responsible gambling agency GamCare as a gesture of good faith.
EiG attracts big name speakers
Big-name speakers such as PartyGaming's CEO Mitch Garber, Jon Anderson, CEO of 888.com and Detlef Train, CEO of Intertops, will be attending the fifth annual European i-Gaming Congress & Expo. Topics such as legal/regulatory frameworks, with specific reference to recent arrests in the United States, and the industry's reaction and concerns will be discussed during the event taking place at the CCIB in Barcelona, Spain across 11-13 October.
Las Vegas' Riviera receive new takeover approach
Management of Las Vegas' Riviera Holdings Corp have put a shareholder meeting to approve a $426.5 million buyout on hold after receiving an unsolicited bid from International Gaming and Entertainment. International upped investment group Riv Acquisitions Holdings' offer of $17 per share to $20 causing the postponement while management determines whether the new offer is credible.
Galway bookmakers report record festival
Bookmakers are reporting record takings at Ireland's Galway Race Festival this year with oncourse bookies taking euros 21 million during the seven days, an increase of nearly 16 per cent on last year. Paddy Power said turnover was 'through the roof', while Galway based Mullhollands Bookmakers reported an increase of takings of between 13 and 15 per cent.
Licensee claims poker victory
A UK licensee in Gloucestershire is claiming that his twice-weekly poker games, held in the pub, are not illegal as no money is changing hands on the premises. Stroud District Council recently investigated David Akhurst of the New Inn, Dursley after the Gambling Commission issued a warning in July that 'games must not be used as an inducement for people to visit a pub.'
Gala sponsor new Osbourne show
Gala Bingo has signed an estimated £2 million deal to become the official sponsor of X-Factor judge Sharon Osbourne's new TV show, Mrs Osbourne Presents. The show, which will be airing on ITV from the end of August until mid-October, will give the bingo giant branded trailers, interactive features, on line tie-ins and mobile interactive sponsorship bumpers during the 40 episode run.
Celtic buy Molloy
Celtic Bookmakers has bought Joe Molloy Bookmaker's as a going concern following the recent decision by co-owner and CEO Richard Harding to retire. The deal for Molloy's 10 shops and Tele Betting Service will cost a reported euro 5 million.
ATEI creative director appointed
Clarion ATE, organisers of London's ATEI, ICE and ICEi, has appointed Chris Boon as creative director working on the 2007 event. He has been charged with specific responsibility for the 8,000 square metres (86,100sq.ft.) of space on Level 1 of Earls Court, which is being opened up in 2007 for suppliers of non-gambling equipment.
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