Small Moves -- In recent months a steady stream of press reports has issued from France suggesting a controlled opening of its gambling market. This week the trend continued as French Interior Minister Michele Alliot-Marie publicized the government's willingness to more openly discuss the prospect of regulating the online sector. "I would like to envisage a future without taboo," Alliot-Marie said with regard to Internet gambling, "where consultation would enable us to find ways for the companies involved to be present in these new markets without lessening the level of vigilance operators and the state must maintain with regards to the quality of the games on offer." Alliot-Marie's remarks followed Wednesday's meeting between French MPs, representatives of the country's monopolists, Française des Jeux and Pari Mutuel Urbain, regulatory authorities and members of the industry's private sector, during which the possibility of a new, more liberal regulatory regime in the country was discussed.
Trading Shots -- In its patent infringement dispute with Bodog, 1st Technology said today that, if secured, a portion of the $49.4 million judgment sum would be set aside for charity and educational concerns. " . . . It is only proper that we should give back as we continue to build new technologies and expand the base of intellectual property in North America," it said in a written statement. The company also said that Bodog founder Calvin Ayre has been instructed by the Nevada District Court to appear in Las Vegas on Nov. 2 on penalty of a bench warrant being issued for his arrest. Ayre has responded quite forcefully to the 1st Technology written statement: "[1st Technology Founder] Scott Lewis: You want money. I want to hit you . . . repeatedly. In a lawful way, of course."
Quoteworthy -- "At least Prohibition aimed to prevent the consumption of alcohol across the United States without exceptions. Banning some types of online gambling while allowing exemptions for lotteries and horse racing is protectionism of the worst kind."
- From Joe Saumarez-Smith, CEO of U.K. management consulting firm Sports Gaming, in an op-ed piece carried by Bloomberg. Click here to view the full article on Bloomberg.com.
Stock Watch -- On the LSE, Neteller was down 2.25p to 70.50, 888 was up 0.25p to 115.25 and Sportingbet was 0.25p to 48.25.