Migrated -- Mansion, which closed its sports book in February and later denied rumors it would be doing the same with its betting exchange, has migrated its poker operations to the Ongame Network. "We chose Ongame Network as one of the most tried and trusted platforms online and for their superior poker software, but an equally important deal-maker has been their ability to enhance our business rather than consume it," said Guy Gussarsky, chief executive of the Gibraltar-based operator.
Approved -- Football pools operator Sportech has been given the all-clear from the U.K. Competition Commission to proceed with its acquisition of Vernons, giving it nearly 100 percent control of the U.K.market. Sportech Chief Executive Ian Penrose said the company was "delighted" that the lengthy process was at an end, and that it would now focus on concluding negotiations with Ladbrokes. In its final report published today, the commission concluded that the acquisition of Vernons "may not be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services."
Called Off -- Australia-based eBet, whose gaming technology is employed by the NZ TAB, eBetUSA and Playboy Web sites, has called off its acquisition of British software developer Octavian International after failing to raise the $30 million to required to fund the purchase. The company said "a change in its capital raising environment, among other things," compelled it to "explore other alternatives." eBet did say, though that it had not ruled out the possibility of completing the purchase "at some later date."
Spiked -- Shares in Taiwan-based GigaMedia hit a multi-year high today after Bear Stearns Analyst James Rhee gave an "outperform" rating. Rhee said GigaMedia has transformed from a struggling broadband company to an online entertainment provider with reach both in Asia and Europe, adding that company revenue is rising "at a healthy clip." On the NASDAQ, shares in the company rose $2.49, or 13.91 percent, on to $20.39.
Stock Watch -- On the LSE, Playtech was up 19p to 367, Rank was up 3.50p to 159 and Sportech was up 0.50p to 11.