CEOs of bwin are being treated as criminals

18.09.2006

Statement of the Chairman of the bwin Supervisory Board, Dr. Hannes Androsch

VIENNA, Austria, September 18 /PRNewswire/ -- "As widely reported in national and international media, the two CEOs responsible for the strategic orientation of the bwin Group were detained in France on Friday, 15 September 2006, for the alleged violation of French gaming law.

We do not understand the course of action taken by the French authorities. Two irreproachable and highly esteemed CEOs of a company listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange are being treated as criminals. This stands in fundamental contrast to the principle of proportionality, particularly as both the company and the CEOs would have answered any summons issued by the French authorities at any time.

The action taken by individual EU Member States against private competitors who have put the state's gaming monopoly under pressure is neither new nor is it a surprise. The events in France are unprecedented in their aggressiveness, however. Although the European Court of Justice holds a different legal opinion and the action taken is in clear violation of EU law, sham argument of player protection/addiction are being put forward to maintain the monopoly as long as possible. In response, the EU Commission has already started infringement proceedings against seven Member States.

bwin is currently exhausting all legal options available - with the full support of the Supervisory Board - in order to secure the release of the two CEOs as soon as possible. The Board is convinced that bwin is operating within the appropriate legal framework.

Francis Teitgen, former president of the Paris Bar Association, has been appointed to take on the defence for both Co-CEOs.

The company is fully operational and able to do business. The company's operations have not been affected by the events in any way, as the pertinent responsibilities now lie with staff that is just as committed and experienced. No strategic decisions requiring the intervention of the Co-CEOs need to be taken for the time being.

The Supervisory Board has held an extraordinary meeting and expressed its full support of the two CEOs, Mr. Teufelberger and Mr. Bodner. The Supervisory Board is fully involved in all the company's activities."

Manfred Bodner and Norbert Teufelberger are currently on their way to Paris for their hearing before the examining magistrate scheduled for the late afternoon.


The company will continue to report on all ongoing developments.

Further Information;

Press:
Karin Klein, Corporate Communications
bwin Interactive Entertainment AG
Borsegasse 11, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Tel: +43-50-858-2200
Email: press@bwin.com
www.bwin.ag

Investors:

Konrad Sveceny, Investor Relations
bwin Interactive Entertainment AG
Borsegasse 11, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Tel: +43-50-858-2208
Email: investorrelations@bwin.ag
www.bwin.ag

bwin Interactive Entertainment AG