Cellectivity signs platform deal with 888
Mobile content provider Cellectivity has signed a deal with 888 Holdings to create a new 888 mobile gaming platform complete with three casino games from its website: Blackjack, Roulette, and a Progressive Slot Machine. Under terms of the agreement, Cellectivity will make the games available to customers of UK mobile operators 3 and T-Mobile, which it already has existing exclusive gaming content agreements.
Online sector shows signs of recovery
The online gambling sector was showing signs of recovery this week after a number of gaming companies posted strong trading results. Sportingbet led the way, announcing a 54 per cent rise in operating profits to £2 million for the three months to January, while Playtech's total revenues for 2006 showed an 89 per cent increase to $90.1 million.
Gambling Commission publishes remote gambling survey
A new paper from the UK Gambling Commission shows that eight per cent of the country's adults had participated in at least one form of remote gambling in the previous month. The document entitled 'Survey Data on Remote Gambling Participation' revealed that the National Lottery was the main activity for remote gambling, with 18-34 year olds most likely to play.
Irish market prepares for AmEx 2007
AmEx 2007, the 28th Irish amusement and gaming trade exhibition, will be held at the Lynch Green Isle Hotel, Dublin from 6-7 March 2007. Seminar topics at the event will include Ardac Elite Bill Acceptor by Ken Dharwar and Money Controls, Cash Audit Systems and Data Capture by Ray Hazelton.
Break-even some way off for Felix
Felix Group chairman Richard Rose said that the ATM and kiosk developer was some way off from breaking even after posting an operating loss of £2.475 million. He told shareholders that although the potential sales pipeline remains in line with stated expectations, deployment of machines had been a little slower than anticipated. A full report appears in this week's Coinslot, released today (Thursday).
CAMRA survey suggests post ban boost for pubs
A new survey conducted by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has suggested that pub operators should be preparing to welcome nearly a million new customers after the implementation of the UK smoking ban. The poll predicts that 840,000 people who currently never go to a pub said that they will after the ban is introduced. For a full report read this week's Coinslot, published Thursday.
Aristocrat in Bally acquisition rumours
Australian gaming manufacturer Aristocrat Technologies is rumoured to be discussing the acquisition of US-based rival Bally Technologies. Shares in Bally jumped by seven per cent following heavy trading as market speculation circulated, with analysts saying that a move would not be surprising.
BACTA publishes WEEE guidance for members
UK trade association BACTA has issued new guidance relating to the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations 2006 and an update on the use of certain hazardous substances. In a bid to simplify the criteria set by WEEE, the association has listed the key requirements that producers of gaming or amusement machines must fulfil. Details of the report appear in this week's Coinslot (published Thursday).
Dates set for Budget 2007
The Treasury announced that the Budget for 2007 will take place on 21 March. It is widely anticipated that Chancellor Gordon Brown will realign the AMLD regime for Category C AWP machines, correcting the current anomaly affecting £35 payout games. For full analysis see Coinslot, published today (Thursday).
Inspired signs FOBT deal with Betfred
Inspired Gaming has signed a three year deal with Betfred to supply the independent bookmaker with over 2,000 of its server-based 'Rainmaker' fixed odd betting terminals. The deal also includes the introduction of open server-based gaming AWP terminals scheduled for September.
888888's former chief summoned for questioning Holdings former chief John Anderson has been summoned for interview by the French Authorities according to the online gaming company. A statement from
888888's former chief summoned for questioning[/b] said that it was too early to be specific about the questioning of Anderson, but made clear that he would be co-operating with any enquiry.
Turftrax speed system gets Japanese trials
Turftrax said the Japanese Racing Association will undertake technical validation trials on its Speed Sensing Technology, beginning in 2007. The Salisbury-based data company recently announced its decision to reduce the number of UK meetings it will cover with the Speed Sensing equipment to just the four all weather courses on commercial grounds, whilst continuing to develop overseas markets.
Netplay agrees to purchase Abstract shares
Netplay TV has agreed to buy the entire issued share capital of Sunderland-based Abstract Games for a capped maximum total consideration of £4 million. The Interactive TV gaming company said the initial consideration is £127,000 in cash, £173,000 in settlement of debt together with the issue of £200,000 worth of NetPlay TV shares alongside a deferred consideration capped at £3,500,000.
Government accepts CAP casino decision
Culture secretary Tessa Jowell confirmed today (Thursday) that the Government is to accept all the recommendations of the independent Casino Advisory Panel on the location of 17 new casinos - including the one regional casino in Manchester. Jowell will now formally issue a single draft order, as the first stage in the process to ask Parliament to approve the panel's recommendations.
Businessman ordered to pay £2 million Aspinall's debt
The UK High Court has ordered Syrian-born businessman Fouad Al-Zayat to pay a £2 million debt to Aspinall's Club. Al-Zayat, who was a regular at the club having visited Aspinall's more than 600 times over 12 years and losing more than £23 million in that time, was disputing the croupiers abilities on an occasion in 2000 at the London club.
Lottery to take burden of Olympic overspend
The UK government is expected to announce within three weeks that the cost of the London 2012 games would nearly double to £5 billion. According to the Daily Telegraph newspaper, the National Lottery is expected to shoulder the brunt of the extra costs.
Mummery returns to private sector
Bill Mummery, head of the Isle of Man's e-gaming division, is leaving the post after two years to take a senior appointment in the private sector. Mummery said that he would continue to be a strong ambassador for the jurisdiction and hoped to contribute to its continuing success.