Bush signs gambling legislation
President Bush signed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Act on Friday, making it illegal for US-based banks or credit card companies to process payments for internet gambling activities in the country. Republican Jim Leach, one of the bill's original sponsors, welcomed the legislation calling internet gambling a liability to America and to Americans.
EU requests gambling information from Austria, France and Italy
The European Commission has asked Austria, France and Italy for information on legislation restricting the supply of certain gambling services. The EU's Internal Market commission, headed by Charlie McCreevy, said that it wanted to ascertain whether the countries' measures are compatible with EU rules guaranteeing the free movement of services.
Camelot receives GRAMIA award
National Lottery operator Camelot has won a silver GRAMIA (Grocery Advertising Marketing Industry Award) for its "Are you making the most of us?" retail trade press campaign. Camelot's director of sales, Steve Lucas, called the award a tribute to the efforts and hard work of Camelot's customer communications team.
Online firms sold for a dollar
Online Gaming companies Sportingbet and Leisure & Gaming both sold their US operations for $1 apiece. Sportingbet said it was necessary in order to avoid closure costs of $14 million, while Leisure & Gaming's chief executive Alistair Assheton, who headed a management buyout of his group's U.S. operations, said that the company saved about $6 million in shutdown costs.
Pokerstars to continue with US business
Internet gaming firm PokerStars said that its US business would continue as normal despite the new anti-gambling legislation. The Costa Rican-based company, which processes payments through subsidiaries in the Isle of Man and Cyprus, argued that poker is a game of skill and therefore exempt.
World Gaming appoints administrators
World Gaming announced that its directors had resigned and that it has appointed administrators from UHY Hacker Young to deal with business after acknowledging that the new US anti-gambling law would make it difficult to continue. The AIM-listed online company suspended its shares early last week.
Gtech gets Creative
Lottomatica subsidiary Gtech has entered into an asset purchase agreement to acquire instant lottery ticket provider Creative Games International. The acquisition is expected to be completed in November, assuming certain pre-closing conditions are met.
e-Gaming breakfast seminar
The next free e-Gaming breakfast seminar produced by Manchess LLP, "Update on Implementation of Gambling Bill 2005 and Secondary Legislation" with speakers Sarah Thomas, Head of Remote Gaming at the DCMS and David Schollenberger of Manches LLP, will take place on the 19th October. Click here for free booking information.
Talarius continues acquisition programme
AIM-listed Talarius plc has acquired Displaymatics Holdings Limited (DHL) for a total consideration of £5.2m. The group, which owns AGC brand Quicksilver and online gaming company Cyberslotz, will fund the acquisition from cash and £4.5m of additional bank facilities. CEO Nick Harding said Talarius now had 196 UK AGCs and was keen to pursue further opportunities, particularly in mainland Europe.
Pagebet reports revenue increase despite 'unpredictable' year
UK betting firm Pagebet will post 'at least a 15 per cent increase' in turnover this year, on sales of £40 million in the year ending September. Managing director David Archer said the company had posted a 6 per cent like-for-like increase in revenues despite an unpredictable trading environment.
Addiction study delivers blow to Dome casino project
A report commissioned by Greenwich council has highlighted a number of what they term as 'significant risks' as a result of the Millennium Dome casino development. PricewaterhouseCoopers' study said residents of the new houses being developed as part of the project would be most at risk to gambling problems arising from the super-casino.
Betdaq provides tipping service
Dublin-based Betdaq is to offer a resource centre for tips in association with Besttipping. The tipster service called Tip Check will initially offer two services: Naps of the Day and Private Tipster.
L&ES forced to close more pubs
The London & Edinburgh Swallow Group closed a further 22 managed pubs, with administrators saying that it had not been possible to conclude a sale for any of the venues. Angela Swarbrick, joint administrator for Ernst & Young, said that "Regretfully, we are no longer able to continue trading the sites affected."
Lottery winner returns to bingo job!
A lottery winner from Carmarthenshire, Wales has asked to return to his job as the town hall bingo caller. Ken Henry, who won £13 million in May, said that being a multi-millionaire could get a bit boring.
Betting Business drive competition at NEC Show
Betting Business and promotions company Sports Alive Ltd are giving away £10,000 and a new Volvo S60 at next week's Betting Show. Visitors to stand 201 at Birmingham's NEC complex (25-26th October) will be given the opportunity to 'crack the safe' or forecast the top ten finishers at the Volvo Masters to win the prizes.
Starwood signs with Eighth Wonder for Sentosa bid
Starwood Hotels & Resorts has been chosen by Eighth Wonder to manage four of its hotels on Sentosa Island if the Las Vegas developer succeeds in its bid to build the country's second casino-resort. Eighth Wonder is competing with Kerzner and Genting International for the $3 billion Singapore development.
Newbury development plans unveiled
Newbury Racecourse unveiled amended development plans which it hopes will 'appease local concerns'. The cost of the redevelopment, which now includes just one four-star, 120-room hotel and 1,450 new homes, has not been revealed, but will require 'significant capital investment' according to officials.
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