ON THE UP AND UP
Playtech Ltd. saw revenues grow by 45.8 million euros during 2008, according to the software developer’s full-year results released on Thursday.
Total revenues came in at 111.5 million euros -- up 70 percent from last year’s 65.7 million euros. Casino revenues came in 68 percent higher at 79.4 million euros; poker revenues soared 73 percent to 30.1 million euros.
The London-listed company reported a net profit of 40.7 million euros -- a year-over-year increase of 55 percent. Earnings before interest tax and amortization expenses was at 73.0 million euros, increasing 74 percent.
“Management’s strategy to focus on growing its presence in regulated markets has enabled the group to enter Italy, signing-up four leading Italian licensees in the process,” said Roger D. Withers, the company’s non-executive chairman, in the earnings statement. “We expect to announce further developments in this regard.”
LOTTO ON THE MOVE
Just days after entering Curacao with mobile lottery, Managed Gaming Solutions has announced a Venezuelan launch.
Through a partnership with Grupo MVTV C.A. , a Venezuelan privately owned lottery operator, the mobile and interactive gaming solutions provider will serve as the country’s exclusive system and service provider of mobile lottery. Last night marked the first official lottery draw televised from Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, which soon will be followed by weekly televised live lottery draws.
“Venezuela is a very promising market that offers huge opportunities for our products, but at the same time the gaming industry also faces some challenges due to unlicensed lottery operators organizing illegal games,” said Tero Turunen, Managed Gaming Solution’s executive chairman, in a company statement.
It is for that reason, Mr. Turunen said, that it was important for the Venezuelan government to issue Managed Gaming Solutions and Grupo MVTV a mobile lottery game license.
LAUNCHING
Lubona Enterprises Ltd. has unveiled a Spanish affiliate community geared toward the online gambling industry.
With the goal to become the main point of reference for the Spanish-speaking online gaming community, Gambling Hispano said it focuses specifically on the Latin American market and covers casino games including roulette, blackjack, online poker, sports betting, bingo and others.
In addition to the affiliate site, Gambling Hispano said it is planning exhibitions in Buenos Aires and Panama City in Panama.
PODCASTING
In its first-ever podcast, WhichBingo explores its roots, with a candid interview with Web site founder Phil Fraser. The online bingo portal, which launched in 2005, said it will use the podcast to share bingo industry news and exclusive interviews each month. Click here to listen to the inaugural session.
In addition, WhichBingo said that online bingo sites spent more than £7 million on TV advertising last year, according to results from Nielsen Media Research. Spending more than £2.25 million on TV advertising, Foxy Bingo led the pack, WhichBingo said. The Tombola launch came in second at £1.75 million.