Scotland's casino bid comes under fire
Glasgow's bid for a super-casino license was described as 'well presented' but lacking in details according to social and economic regeneration consultants Hall Aitken. It went on to call claims by the council, that 44 per cent of visitors to the development would be tourists, too high.
UK Minister hails games industry, pledges support
The UK government called the games industry one of its most important creative industries, and vowed to continue its support despite criticism over some of the controversial titles. Shaun Woodward, minister for creative industries and tourism, said that the industry now plays an important, constructive role in society and that the government would address some of bad publicity caused by some of the games in the market.
Mecca Bingo still suffering from smoking ban
Leisure firm Rank has reported a 16.7 per cent fall in operating profits at its Mecca Bingo chain citing rising business costs and falling custom as a result of the Scottish smoking ban. Its Grosvenor Casinos and Hard Rock divisions achieved double digit earnings growth, while revenue rose 7.2 per cent, to just over £426 million.
Bingo Association calls for £10 million rebate
Britain's Bingo Association is demanding a £10 million tax-rebate from Gordon Brown to balance the cost of the smoking ban in Scotland. The organisations chairman, Sir Peter Fry, plans to meet politicians and media to start the campaign, which is asking the chancellor to pay back £10 million in VAT to compensate for an estimated 20 per cent drop in revenue caused by the ban.
Green King offsets smoking ban with food sales
Pub retailer and brewer Greene King Plc has reported a 2.4 per cent drop in drink sales since the Scottish smoking ban was implemented. Chief executive Rooney Anand told Reuters that this had been slightly offset by an increase in food sales, which would help further in the long term.
BetonSport ban extended
A U.S. Federal Judge has extended BetonSports' ban on taking bets for a further 30 days. At the hearing, prosecutors said they were still trying to serve legal notice of the indictment on the company and expected to be able to do so in London, UK within a week.
Chartwell agrees merger with Parlay
Gaming software systems provider Chartwell Technology has signed a definitive agreement to merge with Parlay Entertainment, an online bingo solutions provider. The deal, subject to regulatory and court approvals, is expected to be completed by the end of October.
Asia to become largest mobile-gambling market within five-years
Mobile gambling revenue in the Asia-Pacific region is set to rise to from $966 million to $8.8bn by 2011, making it the largest market in the world according to a report by Juniper Research. Europe will see a jump in revenue of nearly $7 billion in the same period, from $950 million.
Las Vegas Sands plans to quadruple share in Macau market
Las Vegas Sands Corp plans to quadruple its 15 per cent share of Macau's gambling market by 2009 according to chief executive Sheldon Adelson. He said that it was looking to have the market share by the time the Cotai Strip opens - which analysts predict could boost the former Portuguese colony's gaming revenue to $14 billion by 2010.
EA signs in-game advert deal with Microsoft
Games publisher Electronic Arts has signed an advert distribution deal with IGA Worldwide and Microsoft's in-game advertising unit Massive. The two companies will jointly distribute adverts and insert them into EA games while they are being played over the internet.
Australian lottery operator profits lower than expected
Tattersalls has reported second-half profits of Aus$62.1 million and a 48 per cent rise in net income to Aus$58.4 million. The figures were lower than expected and were attributed to the country's state government smoking bans.
Pleasure Beach rebuke unhealthy claim
Blackpool Pleasure Beach has hit back at a report claiming that it did not provide healthy foods at the amusement park, calling the researcher's opinions 'pre-formed'. The report by the Soil Association, which examined healthy food and drink on offer at UK tourist attractions, said that it had to search for 'three hours and 45 minutes' to find a piece of fruit, which it eventually did so at one of the bars when served with champagne and prawns.
Sportech COO resigns
Sportech's chief operating officer Gary Speakman has resigned as executive director to pursue alternative business interests. Speakman will relinquish his executive and operational responsibilities effective immediately and will end his employment with the owner of Littlewoods Football Pools on 29 September.
Bruce Lee theme park planned
The Chinese government is planning a £10 million Bruce Lee theme park in Shunde. The park will reportedly feature a rollercoaster ride that plays the actor's signature grunts and screams on the high-speed bends and be patrolled by Bruce Lee mannequin robots, controlled from inside a giant statue of the star.
Online gaming spend to pass $4 billion by 2010
Research by U.S. consulting firm Parks Associates has found that spending on online gaming will increase by 300 per cent, to $4.4 billion by 2010. The study also showed a number of distinct groups in the modern gaming market, which include social, leisure, hardcore and dormant gamers.
EiG to host drinks receptions
The European i-Gaming conference and expo (11-13th October) will play host to two receptions for attendees across the event in Barcelona. Wednesday will see a drinks reception sponsored by Continent 8 at the exhibition hall, while the Congress cocktail reception will take place at the Carpe Diem Lounge Club on Thursday (12th). For more details, click here.
Footballer refuses to wear gambling logo
Sevilla FC striker Frederic Kanoute is refusing to wear the 888 sponsorship logo on his shirt for religious reasons, but insisted he would wear a gambling free shirt. The ex-Tottenham forward added: "[I am] very pleased that Sevilla seem to understand my position, and are not obliging me to wear this shirt."