Dome casino-company apologises to clergy
AEG has issued an apology for misrepresenting the views of the local clergy, after telling the Department for Culture, Media and Sport that the Greenwich Peninsula Chaplaincy was broadly positive over the Dome casino development. David Campbell, CEO of AEG Europe, said that the action was inexcusable before taking ultimate responsibility and apologising unreservedly.
Ladbrokes focuses on international growth
Ladbrokes has revealed a number of international moves to bolster its slowing growth in the UK market. The British bookmaker said that it was bidding with Intralot SA to run Turkey's national lottery, consulting with China on the introduction of sports- lottery pool-betting shops and investing around Euro100 million in a 'number of joint ventures' with Italian betting firm Pianeta Scommesse, Italy's fourth-biggest odds-setting service.
Gala looking at disabled market
Gala Coral Group is to work in partnership with Direct Enquiries, the nationwide access register, to create 'bespoke marketing collateral' aimed at helping disabled people find and access the Gala Bingo club that best suits their needs. The company is hoping to tap the market of 10 million registered disabled people in the UK.
Grosvenor to sell Clermont for £31m
Grosvenor Casino has agreed to sell The Clermont Club to Malaysian-owned BIL Gaming Operations UK for £31 million. A spokesperson for parent company Rank said the sale was in-line with its strategy of focusing on the mainstream gaming market.
FA clear Pompey midfielder
The English Football Association has cleared Portsmouth FC midfielder Richard Hughes in its probe into betting irregularities over Harry Redknapp's return as manager. The Pompey midfielder was cleared after an interview by the FA's Compliance Department found that there was no suggestion that he had inside information, or passed it on to others.
Coral signs two-year rugby deal
Coral.co.uk has signed a two-year deal to become a key partner of Premier Rugby and the Guinness Premiership. The deal will see company branding on the reverse of all the Guinness Premiership clubs' playing shirts, be incorporated as part of the number patch and former England scrum half Matt Dawson act as the company's ambassador.
Casino advisory chairman rebukes interference claims
The Casino Advisory Panel's chairman Stephen Crow has denied that political interference has played a part in the regional casino selection process. "We have had criteria laid down to us by the secretary of state," he said. "But other than that we have had no political guidance, interference or pressure whatsoever."
Playtech reports record profits
Playtech has reported an increase in poker revenues of 851 per cent, from $500,000 in 2005 to $4.8 million for the first half. Total revenues for the software company are up to $46.2 million, an increase of 139 per cent, while net profits rose 172 per cent to $37.3 million.
Tabcorp mingling pools with NZ's racing board
Australia's betting agency Tabcorp and the New Zealand Racing Board are examining the possibility of 'co-mingling' their pools. The companies called the process 'commonplace among wagering companies' and said that such deals often took place across international boundaries.
Government extends Tote deadline
The UK government has extended its bid deadline for the Tote following requests from the industry, which is still trying to secure funding. Reports suggest that gambling groups such as Gala are interested in the bookmaker if the racing consortium of Racecourse Holdings Trust and Arena Leisure cannot find the estimated £400 million funding.
Rank to report on Hard Rock sale
Mecca Bingo's owner Rank is expected to confirm plans for the sale of its Hard Rock Cafe business to private equity interests later this week. New chief executive Ian Burke is due to deliver his half-year trading update on Friday and looks likely to report on the sale, which analysts believe could top £550 million.
Sun profit report shows 18 per cent gaming revenue increase
South African gaming group Sun International has reported an increase in group revenue of 16 per cent to R5.9bn for the year ending June. Gaming revenue was up 18 per cent to R4.5bn compared with last year while operating costs rose to R1.5bn from R1.4bn.
U.S. commission rejects two-year addict ban
The Missouri Gaming Commission has rejected proposals to allow gambling addicts to ban themselves from casinos for two-years. The commission voted 2-1 in favour of upholding the current self-imposed permanent ban, but reported that a three to five year ban may work better.
Wembley withdraws from casino race
Brent's executive committee has withdrawn its support for a super-casino development in Wembley, causing developer Quintan to officially halt its £335 million plans for the venue. All of the super-casino developments are contingent on the support of local councils.
IGT get Nevada licensing for mobile systems
International Game Technology (IGT) has gained approval from Nevada regulators for licensing allowing them to manufacture and operate mobile gambling systems. The slot machine maker and casino services provider is the second firm to be granted the license after the Gaming Commission voted unanimously to approve the company.
Cyberslotz makes Hitwise top ten
Cyberslotz.co.uk has vaulted into the quarterly Hitwise top ten listing of UK Gambling Websites, marked by share of visits. The online gaming website accredited the entry to a 30 per cent increase in its member activity, coinciding with the World Cup and increased female interest in its bingo site and related chat facility.
Woods win costs Bowmans $250K
Tiger Woods' latest USPGA victory cost gaming company Bowmans $250,000 after it had agreed to refund all losing stakes if he won the tournament. "We took the view that Woods might struggle with his driver," said the firm's Scott Kaminsky, "but the writing was on the wall by Saturday night. We'll pay up with a smile on our faces."
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