Dome-owner reported to Department of Justice
Millenium Dome-owner Philip Anschutz has been reported to the US Department of Justice over Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's stay at his Colorado ranch. Officials are investigating whether the hospitality is in breach of US law banning American businessmen from attempting to bribe foreign officials.
Picasso dream gets the elbow
US casino boss Steve Wynn accidentally elbowed a 'dollar sized' hole in his Picasso picture 'Le Reve', vetoing a proposed £74 million sale. A spokesperson for Wynn said he was now keeping the painting, which was currently being repaired.
Chariot sales slump again
Chariot warned that it may have to call in administrators after ticket sales for its lottery game Monday fell below 396,000. Share prices plummeted by 85 per cent to 0.3 pence on receipt of the news, valuing the company at just over £250,000.
Gala interested in Tote
Gala's chief executive said that the gambling firm would bid for the Tote bookmaker as soon as it became available. Neil Goulden commented that the government probably had no option but to auction the state-owned bookmaker.
Smoking ban survey reveals profit increase
A survey by the UK's Times newspaper found that English pubs which have already instigated a smoking ban have seen profits rise by an average of 50 per cent. The increase was attributed to an average rise in food sales of 80 per cent.
EU and Japan attend US gaming consultation
Antigua and Barbuda's delegation to the World Trade Organisation held consultations in Geneva with representatives from the European Commission, Japan and China over its Internet gaming case against the United States. The WTO is expected to deliver its final ruling in January or February 2007.
Ladbrokes loses Dutch appeal
Ladbrokes has lost an appeal case in the Netherlands which sought to overturn a law preventing Dutch customers from betting with the company. The bookmaker is now preparing to take the case to the Dutch Supreme Court, as well as lodge a complaint with EU Internal Market commissioner Charlie McCreevy.
BetonSports case resolved by next week
A civil case filed against BetonSports by US federal prosecutors could be resolved as early as next week. BetOnSports' lawyer Jeffrey Demerath told a US District Judge that the online company had received a 'proposed consent order' from prosecutors, and was going to consult with the board of directors after the weekend.
Scotland receives tourism funding
Scotland is to receive funding from the European Social Fund (ESF) to enhance the value of the tourism sector and create further tourism employment opportunities. The Quality Customer Service Training in the Tourism Industry project will receive a £176,530 grant towards the provision of Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs).
Betcorp confirms sales discussions
Betcorp confirmed that it was in sales discussions for the group's gaming operations and infrastructure, and was going to cut staff by around a third. The group told the Australian Betting Exchange that there was no certainty that such discussions will lead to a sale, or on what financial terms such a sale might take place.
Study finds bingo more sociable online
A study by St. Minver suggested that the majority of UK bingo players prefer to play the game online because they find it 'more sociable'. Of the 2,667 people responding to the survey, most people said that they preferred to chat while playing and were encouraged by the growth of internet platforms for meeting new people, catching up with friends and 'gossiping'.
Jowell accused of casino numbers plot
Tessa Jowell has been accused of 'secretly plotting' to increase the number of super-casino licenses, after a junior minister proposed a bill to make the initial number eight. The Liberal Democrats called the move a 'last throw of the dice' by the culture secretary who is alleged to have suggested the move.
Excapsa sells gaming network
Excapsa Software is selling its Excapsa Gaming Network to Malta-based Blast Off Limited. The company said that it was exiting the internet gaming software business to maximise value for its stockholders.
Ukbetting votes for 365 Media name change
Ukbetting will change its name to 365 Media Group effective immediately. The company will now be found in the London Stock Exchange's TDM code as 365, and is seeking to be reclassified within the Alternative Investment Market's sub sectors.
Macau reports record takings
Macau's gambling receipts for the second quarter have risen by 11 per cent to 12.9 billlion patacas against the same period last year. The enclave's Census Department reported that gambling revenue now superseded all other forms of income in the country, including exports which amount to a total of 5.6 billion patacas.
FAS recommends government funding for video games
A new report by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) has recommended that the US government provide funding to create more educational video games. According to the paper, video games teach higher-level, complex thinking skills which are conducive to today's workplaces.
Sportingbet takes £210 hit
Sportingbet is to take a £210 million exceptional hit as a result of its forced closure of its American operation. The group said it would write down £200 million of goodwill on its US business and take a £10 million special restructuring charge.
Lottomatica bids for Italian licenses
Italian lottery company Lottomatica SpA intends to bid for the sport and horse betting licences released by the state-owned group Monopoli di Stato. The group, which currently has Italian licences for the Lotto game and scratch cards will be facing competition from, among others, Irish bookmaker Paddy Power.
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