EU to launch new infringement procedures
The European Union is to launch infringement procedures against France, Italy and Austria for supporting restrictive laws on gambling. Internal market commissioner Charlie McCreevy will open proceedings with a 'letter of formal notice' to the countries.
Blackpool's 'bleak picture' ruining tourism
Blackpool's Sealife Centre boss accused the town's council of deliberately exaggerating the decline of the resort to boost its chances of landing the UK's first super-casino. Iain Hawkins, said that the 'running down' of Blackpool had led to a noticeable drop in custom for many of the resort's seafront attractions.
eCOGRA calls on operators to maintain standards
Gaming standards organisation eCOGRA has called for online gaming companies to maintain 'consistent and professional standards' during the current US crackdown on internet gambling. Chief executive Andrew Beveridge warned that recent development's in the US could lead to under-funded, unregulated and unprincipled gambling sites.
BetonSport executive denies infringing US law
BetonSport executive director Lord Glentoran has denied any wrongdoing by the firm's directors in the US, saying that they had infringed no laws that have been tested in the country. He added that he and his family were living with a feeling of 'absolute insecurity' over exportation fears.
Austria defends monopoly accusations
Austria's Finance Minister Karl-Heinz Grasser responded to McCreevy's warning by challenging the EU's reasoning. "Many European and worldwide providers offer gambling and betting in Austria via the Internet," he said. "So the question presents itself - what makes a monopoly in this sector; a sector where there is worldwide competition on the Internet?"
WBN shifts focus to Europe
World Bingo Network has announced plans to license a stand-alone UK network to focus exclusively on the European market. The new network will signal an immediate shift in focus away from the North American market for the company according to operations director Derek Morran.
Nevada gambling revenues rise 7.5 per cent
Nevada's gaming revenue rose from $989.1 million to $1.06 billion in August, an increase of by 7.5 per cent compared with the same period last year. The state's Gaming Control Board announced that gambling revenue on the Las Vegas Strip had increased by 14.3 percent to $556.3 million for the same period.
Packer joins Singapore casino bid
James Packer's Publishing & Broadcasting joined Eighth Wonder's Sentosa Island casino-development bid 'hours' before the deadline closed. They will be competing against Genting International's $3 billion 'Resorts World at Sentosa' proposal and Kerzner International for Singapore's second casino-resort.
Carruthers opens EiG
BetonSports former CEO David Carruthers sent a recorded message to open the 5th annual EiG exhibition yesterday (Wednesday). He thanked the industry for its words of support and wished attendees a succesful show.
'Subdued' Preview still showing positives
Reports from London are that Preview 2007 is 'subdued' with some very positive areas. Organiser Phil Howard said that, given the difficult circumstances and the confusion in the industry over stakes and prizes, Preview has performed better than anyone would have thought.
Coral opts for Global machines
Coral has given Scientific Games' subsidiary Global Draw a four-year contract to become the exclusive supplier of gaming machines to its UK shops. Global has supplied approximately 9,000 fixed-odd terminals in the UK to date, with over 5,000 going to Coral.
Gala launches bingo channel with Endemol
Gala Coral Group has launched Gala TV in partnership with Big Brother producers Endemol. The live, interactive bingo channel will broadcast programming through the day, with eight hours of live presenter-led bingo in the evening.
Pier bosses to meet with Hastings council
Hastings Pier's owner Ravenclaw Investments said that it wants to meet with Hastings council 'as soon as possible' to discuss the pier's long-term future. Ravenclaw's commercial manager Harmesh Pooni also said that the company would be 'happy to set up a trust to protect the structure for an eternity'.
Lottomatica subsidiary extends US lottery deal
Lottomatica SpA's subsidiary Gtech has extended its contract with the Kentucky Lottery Corporation for a further three years, taking the length of the agreement to 2014. The Italian lottery company estimates that turnover for the duration of the extension will average $5 million per year.
Fairground closes US operations
Fairground Gaming Holdings said that it was closing its US business and implementing 'urgent' cost cuts because of the recent US legislation. The company is also thought to be considering consolidating its business through buyouts.
Kerzner heir dies in helicopter crash
Kerzner International's Howard Kerzner has died in a helicopter crash in the Dominican Republic. The 42-year old chief executive was reportedly surveying a site for the company when the helicopter went down, killing the two pilots and another passenger.
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