Google Axes Play-for-Fun Ads -- Last week, Google, the ubiquitous search engine and online advertising specialist, broadened the scope of its ban on gambling-related advertisement to include play-for-fun sites. "Google has always prohibited the advertising of things like bingo, poker and online casinos," it said in a prepared statement. "While we respect people's differing views on gambling--and support freedom of expression--we believe that this new policy is simpler for everyone to understand and more in tune with users' wishes," it added.
Launched -- Purple Lounge, the I-poker operator, has launched its online casino. The company said its new Microgaming-licensed casino-games offering is expected to bolster its U.K., Scandinavian and Spanish player-bases.
Spanish Fly -- bwin, the Vienna-listed operator, has announced a three-year sponsorship deal with Spanish football club Real Madrid, whereby the company's branding will appear on both the national and international team kits, as well as the club's training ground and home stadium. "The strategic decision to enter into this partnership should bee seen against the background that several EU member states have yet to accept the freedom of establishment and services in the area of online gaming," bwin said. It added that it will continue to invest its sponsorship-designated funds in "enlightened," regulated markets.
Coming Soon -- Playtech, the I-gaming software provider, said it will announce interim KPIs on July 25, with interim results to follow on Sept. 5.
Upping the Stake -- Globes, the online Israeli biz-news source, reports that F&C Asset Management has increased its stake in 888 to 4.98 percent. F&C's holding is now valued at $38 million.
Europe Bound -- The Times reported Saturday that Bodog has confirmed plans to enter the European market by the end of the year, offering both poker and sports betting.
Monday Re-launch -- The Financial Times reported Friday that Netplay TV was to re-launch the Monday charities lottery tonight on Sky channel 163. NetPlay acquired the slumping lottery--originally launched in spring 2006--from Chariot in January for £140,500 ($276,754). "We are very excited to re-launch PlayMonday with a bigger jackpot and new games," said Netplay chief executive Martin Higginson in a prepared statement. "PlayMonday is committed to working closely with charities to build the most successful independent cash prize draw across the United Kingdom."
Stock Watch -- On the LSE, Ladbrokes was up 12.50p to 415.50, PartyGaming was down 0.25p to 40.25 and Playtech was up 6.00p to 392.