Ladbrokes' 888 takeover off
Ladbrokes' £470 million takeover of 888.com has been called off after running into 'insurmountable' problems according to sources cited in the UK's Sunday Telegraph newspaper. The report suggested that negotiations had stalled due to ongoing litigation over 888's previous trading in the US and the news that non-executive director John Anderson had been called to answer questions by the French authorities.
Rank posts full-year profit, calls for tax breaks
The Rank Group's CEO Ian Burke warned that the gaming group was facing a number of challenges this year - most notably from the upcoming smoking ban - shortly after announcing a full-year profit of £92.9 million. He also called on the government to end the 'punitive' tax regime on bingo, arguing that it was the only gaming institution to be double taxed, incurring both VAT and tax on gross wins.
Jowell warned about formidable opposition to casino plans
UK Culture secretary Tessa Jowell has been warned that she would face 'formidable' opposition in getting the Manchester super-casino recommendation through Parliament. Labour peer Lord Lipsey warned that there was an alliance of three groups in the Lords which would block the government's recommendation.
PartyGaming boss sells company shares
PartyGaming confirmed that chief executive Mitch Garber sold over £1 million of company shares days after it announced a pre-tax profit drop of 57 per cent. The gaming company blamed the profit drop on reorganising costs of $250 million due to the US' online gambling legislation.
GMA launches multi-lingual support service
Gambling support charity Gordon Moody Association (GMA) has launched the first live multi-lingual support service on its gambling therapy e-helpline. The site offers online contact with trained advisors, forums and support groups, and will now "open up the issue of problem gambling to all ethnic groups and cultures in the UK and around the world", according to chief executive Kevin Farrell-Roberts .
FA drops Redknapp betting charges
The English Football Association will not charge Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp over an alleged betting coup on his return to the Pompey side and has dropped the investigation. An FA spokesman said that the body had written to Redknapp to say that the active investigation was on hold, but warned that it would be reactivated if any new evidence is found.
Genting cuts Ho ties
Genting International has pulled out of a proposed partnership with gambling tycoon Stanley Ho to build Singapore's second casino in a move to ease government concerns over the $3.4 billion resort project. The government last week told Genting that it would be subject to suitability checks, along with its business associates, before being awarded the casino licence, which it stated was different from the resort licence already issued.
Aristocrat's Oneile targets Europe
Aristocrat's chief executive officer and managing director Paul Oneile confirmed that the gaming company's growth focus was now 'very much' on Europe, with the UK, Italy and Greece identified as major markets for its business. Speaking to Casino Review, Oneile said that he was interested in seeing how the UK would develop and confirmed that the Australian-based company would be involved in the market once it opens up. To read the full interview or click here for free access to the new Digital Casino Review.
New marketing manager at Clarion ATE
Clarion ATE has confirmed the appointment of Charlotte Skinner as its new Marketing Manager with direct responsibility for the London Shows ATEI, ICE and ICEi. In addition to the London Shows Charlotte she will also be involved in other sectors of Clarion ATE's b2b portfolio including The Betting Show and the revamped AMUSE 2008.
GTech signs three-year NY lottery extension
Italian lottery firm Lottomatica SpA's wholly-owned subsidiary GTech Corporation has signed a three-year contract extension with the New York Lottery thought to be worth more than $200 million. Under terms of the agreement, GTech will continue providing lottery products and services through February 2010.
PokerStars appoints new affiliates director
PokerStars.com has appointed Edward Ihre as its new Director of Partners and Affiliates. Ihre will be based at the company's headquarters on the Isle of Man and will be responsible for the delivery of traffic to PokerStars.com through a variety of online and off-line marketing activities.
Arcade thefts gang charged
A gang of robbers were handed suspended jail sentences and told to do upwards of 50 hours' unpaid work each after attempting to steal more than £1,000 from machines at two amusement arcades in Great Yarmouth. The four travelled from Blackpool for the crime, but were caught after staff noticed them tampering with gaming machines in the premises and notified the police.
Blackpool's new £8 million ride bolted in
The last section of Blackpool Pleasure Beach's new £8 million attraction Infusion has been bolted into place, with the final round of bolt tightening to take place this week. The ride will also begin a number of mechanical and electrical tests before opening to the public in April.
Bwin halts Turkish operations
Austrian bookmaker Bwin said that it would temporarily withdraw from Turkey after the government passed new laws restricting online betting in the country. In a statement Bwin said it would pursue a licence if the Turkish authorities chose to issue any, but added it was unclear when this would be.
Pier competition launched
The British Urban Regeneration Association is launching a national competition to come up with ideas on how to revive seafront piers for development by a new think tank involving senior architects, engineers, business people and developers. The group, which is holding the first Seaside Network Conference in Scarborough next week, said that the pier now represents a 'symbol of seaside decline' but were well positioned to become major economic contributors to resorts.
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