Study suggests fall in problem gambling
The second half of a study carried out into FOBT machines has suggested that problem gambling as a whole had fallen. The report, carried out by MORI and Europe Economics and paid for by the Association of British Bookmakers, also found that problem gambling is not inextricably linked to any one form of gambling.
Stakes and prizes issue raised in Commons
The issue of if and when there will be an increase in stakes and prizes for AWP machines was raised during a recent question time in the House of Commons by Labour MP Janet Dean. Replying to her question, minister for sport Richard Caborn would only say he had had constructive discussions with relevant organisations and would make an announcement shortly.
Consumer spending on online gambling predicted to increase
A new report has forecast that UK consumer spending on online gambling will increase from £660m in 2005 to £1.6bn in 2010. Published by Research and Markets, it also predicted that the number of active UK clients will grow from 1.1m in 2005 to 2.1m in 2010.
Namco opens acquisition programme with bowling purchase
Namco Europe Limited, through its subsidiary Namco Operations Europe Limited, has increased its presence in the UK location and entertainment business sector with the purchase of the Number 10 bowling group for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition raises the number of locations operated by Namco Operations Europe Limited in the UK and Spain to 16, including the premium multi-leisure centres in County Hall, London and the Trafford Centre, Manchester.
Blackpool's 'Casino Quarter' details unveiled
Further details of a proposed £350m conference, casino and leisure development called the Casino Quarter have been revealed by Blackpool Borough Council. A luxury, landmark hotel, modeled on Dubai's famous Burj Al-Arab property would form the heart of the development, alongside the regional casino and an all-weather, mixed-use leisure and retail development.
Alton Towers Muslim fun day cancelled
Alton Towers, Britain's biggest theme park, has cancelled what was billed as the country's first 'National Muslim Fun Day' because of lack of interest. The event's organisers, Islamic Leisure, who rented the park for the day and were marketing the event, called it off due to "insufficient ticket sales".
Partygaming buys Gamebookers
With a significant proportion of its income coming from the US, online gaming group Partygaming has moved to diversify its business by buying betting company Gamebookers for 102m euros (£69m). The owners of gaming sites such as PartyPoker.com and EmpirePoker.com, Partygaming generates about three-quarters of its revenue from customers in the US. According to the firm, Gamebookers does not accept bets from the US.
New-look launch for London Show websites
The online presence of ATEI, ICE and ICEi (23-25 January 2007, Earls Court, London) has been refreshed with updated looks and new URLs. The show-specific websites, which went live at the beginning of August, are located at www.atei-exhibition.com, www.ice-exhibition.com and www.icei-exhibition.com respectively.
Talarius sees like-for-like sales rise
Talarius PLC has seen like-for-like sales at its Quicksilver chain of adult gaming centres rise by 15 per cent and by 90 per cent on its Cyberslotz website for the 28 weeks to July 15 - the first half of its financial year. In a trading update before the release of the firm's interim results on September 19, chief executive Nick Harding said strong like-for-like sales growth in both the group's businesses has continued and a pipeline of new AGC sites had been put in place.
Quebec smoking ban not so bad for bingo business
Since the introduction of a ban on smoking in the Canadian province of Quebec on May 31, directors at two of its bingo halls have reported they are off to a fresh start with an influx of new clientele. While both admitted that there has been a downturn in trade, they reported that the cleaner air had brought a new, younger clientele, and predicted that business would soon recover.
Video games put children off amusement arcades
72 per cent of youngsters questioned for a survey by children's TV channel Toonami have said that having video games consoles at home had deterred them from visiting an amusement arcade. The new research found that children prefer to participate in more active pursuits whilst spending time at the beach, with building sandcastles, surfing or snorkeling and rock pooling amongst the favourite activities.
Machete gang raid bingo hall
A Gala bingo hall in Basildon has been raided by a gang of balaclava-clad men wielding machetes and large knives. The men ordered customers and staff to drop to the floor and took one worker hostage, using him as a bargaining tool to access the room where the club's takings were kept.
BetonSports executives could face arrest warrants
Executives or high ranking employees of BetonSports have been warned by US Attorney Catherine Hanaway that they could be issued with arrest warrants for contempt of court if they come onto American soil. Her threat came after lawyers for BetonSports failed to show at a court hearing in St. Louis on Monday following indictments against the company two weeks ago.
Prescott facing anti-corruption claim
A claim that John Prescott may have broken anti-corruption laws by staying with American billionaire and Millennium Dome owner Phillip Anshutz are being investigated by the police. Following up on a complaint by Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker, Scotland Yard said that its inquiries are still at an early stage and a spokeswoman for the deputy prime minister said that he had not been contacted by detectives thus far.
US online gambling crackdown claims latest casualty
Continent 8 Technologies, a company that provides internet infrastructure to online gaming sites, has seemingly become the latest casualty of the US crackdown on remote gambling after it pulled the plug on its planned flotation on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market. With continued market turbulence affecting the fortunes of internet gambling companies, Continent 8 reportedly shelved the idea of an IPO after it grew concerned it would not achieve the expected price of £71m.
World Cup boosts William Hill profits
William Hill has unveiled record takings from the World Cup, with the firm winning £17.5m from punters who placed bets on this summer's football tournament in Germany. This boosted Hill's first half profits by 30 per cent to £160m, and kick-started its second half performance, as gross win rose 13 per cent in the four weeks to July 25.
Change to give Cleveleys new bingo hall
An empty building intended for a health club on Cleveleys Promenade is set to become a bingo hall instead, after its owners failed to find an operator for the original venture. Manchester-based Property Alliance Group has applied to Wyre Council to change the use of the building, which will decide whether to grant permission this week.
Electracade celebrates its second year
Electracade, the game development company that specyclopcasinoes in the creation of innovative gaming applications, has celebrated its second year of business and its first complete trading year. Mark Paling, director of Electracade, commented: "In such a dynamic and fast moving industry, Electracade has demonstrated that it can deliver state of the art products which add real value to our clients' portfolios and deliver these products to market with very short lead times."
Amateur Poker Association and Tour launches
Amateur Poker Limited, in association with PokerStars.com and PokerPlayer Magazine, has announced the formation of the Amateur Poker Association and Tour (APAT). The Association says it will consult with gaming and industry bodies to enhance the player experience, with standardisation of rules, player friendly structures and event sponsorship at the top of its agenda.
Preview pre-registrations up 35 per cent
The organisers of the Preview 2007 coin-op expo, due to be held on October 11-12 at the London Novotel West, have reported that pre-registrations are up 35 per cent on last year. The show will play host to visitors from just under 20 nations, with guests expected from as far a field as Australia, Nigeria, Turkey and the Yemen.
UFO scares arcade staff
An unidentified intruder gave staff at a Liverpool adult gaming centre a big scare when it flew through the window into their office. The five-inch insect, that was later identified as an Emperor Dragonfly, gave workers at the Quicksilver arcade the slip for an hour before being caught in a pint glass.