STEPPING DOWN
At the end of
William Hill's annual general meeting,
J. M. Barry Gibson, 57, resigned from his position as the group's senior non-executive director.
"I would like to express my sincere thanks on behalf of the board for Barry's valuable contribution as a non-executive director over the last seven years," said Charles Scott, the bookmaker's chairman, in a company statement.
Mr. Gibson formerly served as a group chief executive for Littlewoods, a group retail director for BAA and as a non-executive director for Limelight and Somerfield.
According to William Hill's corporate Web site, Mr. Gibson currently is the director of National Express Group and Homeserve.
The sports betting company did not disclose further details on Mr. Gibson's departure.
REELECTING
Betsson A.B. announced today that John Wattin, who has been a board member since 1989, has been reelected as its chairman of the board.
The online gambling operator also announced the reelection of Per Hamberg, Patrick Svensk, Kicki Wallje-Lund, Mr. Wattin, Carl Lewenahupt and Lars Linder Aronson following the group's annual general meeting.
In addition to the reelections, the Sweden-based company said it has decided on a share split and automatic share redemption program.
SPONSORING
Sportingbet, the sports betting and gaming operator, has signed a three-year sponsorship agreement with the World Series of Snooker.
Through the deal, the series will be renamed the Sportingbet.com World Series of Snooker.
"Like ourselves, they see the growth potential of this sport in Europe, and it is our intention to further develop our existing events -- bringing the total number of events staged in season 2009-10 to seven locations," said John Higgins, the joint creator and executive director of the series, in a prepared statement.
The series itself is in its second year, the company said.
Last month Betfred announced a four-year partnership with the World Snooker Championship.
CHARITY WORK
By teaming up with One to One Children's Fund, PKR.com was able to raise the stakes for a good cause last Sunday.
For the third consecutive year PKR.com co-hosted a tournament and auction at London's Sketch restaurant to benefit a charity that supports social and educational projects across the world.
The online poker site said Beverley Pace, wife of comedian Norman Pace, came in first place followed by actor Michael Greco in second place with Dexter Fletcher in third.
One to One Children’s Fund provides support and care for more than 1,000 children and their families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa in addition to many other projects, PKR said.
FINALIZED
NetPlay TV, the interactive gaming company, has finalized its acquisition of the trading assets of Two Way Gaming Ltd., the former providers of gaming services for "Challenge Jackpot."
As announced on April 7, the company reiterated that it will take over the production of the "Challenge Jackpot" brand, including its Web site and television channel, on behalf of Virgin Media Television.