Newspaper ad sparks Blackpool row
A row has erupted in Blackpool thanks to a national newspaper advertisement featuring Blackpool Liberal Democrat councillors Jon Bamborough, Steven Bate and Doreen Holt, which called on Parliament to support Manchester's bid for the super-casino licence and veto Blackpool’s plan. According to reports, all three could be brought before party leaders to explain why their names were included. A full report features in the latest Coinslot, published Thursday.
BCA deals UK casino policy new blow
The UK High Court has granted the British Casino Association permission to proceed in its Judicial Review case regarding ‘unfair competition’ introduced under the Gambling Act 2005. The Honourable Mr Justice Collins, lead Judge of the Administrative Court, said the case should be heard as a "matter of urgency at a full substantive hearing in the High Court."
GamCare publishes care services paper
GamCare chief executive Geoffrey Gobold OBE has warned that taking the charity’s recently published Care Services report out of context would not be helpful for the gambling industry. He said the figures, which showed a 30 per cent rise in people contacting the charity in 2006, were due to an increase in the number of people becoming aware of GamCare's services.
Government launches Gambling Act surgery
The Gambling Commission is launching a telephone call surgery aimed at explaining which licences are needed under the new Gambling Act as well as providing guidance on how to apply. According to the Commission, the aim of the 'surgery' is to provide parties the opportunity to clarify issues and discuss individual applications in a confidential one-to-one basis.
Noble objection causes local backlash
The Noble Organisation’s objection to Brighton's planned new i360 landmark has sparked controversy among locals have branded the firm 'arrogant' and accused it of ‘disgraceful’ protectionist tactics. According to comments posted on a local newspaper website, residents are claiming that the move could lead to a boycott of the Noble's hugely successful Brighton Pier. The i360, designed by David Marks and Julia Barfield, the architects responsible for the London Eye, will give an estimated L10 million boost to the city's economy.
William Hill posts L235 million profit
UK bookmaker William Hill praised the strong performance of its FOBTs and the World Cup as it posted a full-year profit for 2006 of L235.4 million, a rise of nearly L60 million compared with the previous year. The gaming company showed an increase in pre-tax profit to L292.2 million and a 15 per cent rise in gross win to L931.3 million for the year.
Macau deals out record results
Macau has officially overtaken the Las Vegas strip as the World's casino capital after posting record gambling revenues, which exceeded $7 billion from its 22 casinos for 2006. In comparison, Las Vegas' main strip generated $6.6 billion in revenue from its 40 casinos, which include the Venetian and MGM resorts.
Poland to legalise online gaming
Poland is to introduce laws legalising online gaming which will include new regulations to license and tax operators, according to a report in the Warsaw Voice newspaper. The article said that the country had decided to change current laws in order to 'meet the needs of the growing industry', and will implement the legislation by September.
Sega opens new operations on cruise ship
Sega Amusements Europe is re-launching its arcade concept with a new marketing project on a Mediterranean cruise ship. The Sega Village has been launched on the Ocean Village Two despite the firm having previously phased out its gambling facilities in the UK and mainland Europe. The full article appears in this week's Coinslot, published today (Thurdsay).
FBI investigate Second Life gambling
The FBI has been investigating betting taking place in the popular online virtual world Second Life. Ginsu Yoon, vice president for business affairs at Second Life, said the company was currently seeking guidance on virtual gaming activity but had not yet received clear rules from US authorities.
Britain's tourist economy hits five-year high
Tourism authority VisitBritain has announced that the British tourism industry has made a stirring recovery after five years in the post 9/11 doldrums. According to new figures, the value of Britain's visitor economy is now estimated at L85 billion, making it the country's fifth largest industry.
Farr sells operations to focus on distribution
Cosmic Video Amusement's CEO Terry Farr has sold the operations arm of his business to Steve Hawkins of Sussex Leisure. Farr told Coinslot that the sale would allow the company to focus its attentions on developing the sales side of the business.
Antigua feels 'vindicated' by WTO ruling
Antigua & Barbuda has praised the WTO's decision to uphold its claim that the US had unfairly discriminated against foreign online gambling companies, and said that the US could now be forced to rewrite its laws covering online gambling. Antigua’s WTO Ambassador John W. Ashe called the ruling a "smashing success for Antigua in every possible way" while finance minister Errol Court added that it vindicated "all that we have been saying for years about the discriminatory trade practices of the United States in this area."
Southend voted Pier of the Year
Southend Pier has been named Pier of the Year 2007 by the National Piers Society, the same day a public consultation to shape its future was launched. Gavin Henderson, president of the National Piers Society said the UK's longest pier had been chosen for the award because of its "heroic survival through fire and tempest."
BetFred owner purchases stake in SIS
BetFred boss Fred Done has purchased a 7.5 per cent share in London-based Satellite Information Services for an estimated L7.5 million. The data and technology supply company also operates Fixed Odds Betting Terminals in betting shops, and broadcasting services such as live coverage and programming for the digital TV racing channel At The Races.
EBA becomes EGBA as it extends its remit
The European Betting Association has now become the European Gaming and Betting Association after an official re-launch in Brussels. The new organisation said that it was hoping to build on the EBA’s reputation and provide a “strong voice” for European operators.
Spanish operator buys Blackpool zoo
Spanish-based leisure operator Parques Reunidos has bought Blackpool's zoo as part of a L10.4 million deal which includes the Aquarium of the Lakes in Lake Windermere and The Oceanarium in Bournemouth. Blackpool Council has agreed to transfer the lease on the 32-acre animal park from Grant Leisure to the new owners, with the transaction expected to be completed next week.
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