Odds-On -- Australian bookmaker Sportingbet has revealed that a number of Australia’s Members of Parliament have placed bets on themselves to retain their seats in this year’s federal election. Although specifics as to which MPs have placed wagers have not been released, the practice has not been condemned. Representative Cameron Thompson reportedly had “no problem with colleagues backing themselves,” according to the Courier Mail, likening the practice to the traditional political practice of believing in yourself.
Highs and Lows -- William Hill experienced both highs and lows in business in the first half of 2007. The British bookmaker reported a 2 percent rise in profit over the past six months, rising up to £134.2 million, partially as a result of the company’s share buyback program. Despite this news, though, the lack of a major football tournament in Europe has driven down gross intake from sports betting in comparison to the success of last year’s from the FIFA World Cup. Despite this bump, and the rising costs of taxes on video gambling machines, the company said it remains confident in its prospects for the future.
OPAP Partners with Intralot -- Lottery Operators OPAP and Intralot recently announced a three year agreement in which OPAP will acquire a number of computer centers and game source codes from Intralot, as well as receiving central hardware updates that will expand OPAP’s promotional and operational capabilities in exchange for $96.5 million. OPAP hopes that the partnership will not only lead to the success of the new STIHIMA game, but also a constant transference of know-how from employees of Intralot to those of OPAP.
That Was Quick -- G-Tech and Scientific Games have filed court challenges in Greek and European superior courts to oppose the contract Intralot was recently awarded by OPAP. The companies claim that they were not informed of OPAP’s intentions to award the contract to Intralot, and were caught off-guard, particularly due to the fact that both had been bidding to provide the same services for the last 18 months. Both were officially in competition with Intralot and claim, according to the process, that they should’ve been informed of the cancellation of their tender in the process.
Postponed -- Full Tilt Poker has decided to re-evaluate the timing of their sponsorship for Moscow Millions, originally scheduled to take place in Russia this fall, due to scheduling conflicts for their team of poker pros. The company has stated that the change has come as a result of a crowded calendar of events throughout the rest of 2007 and early 2008. Although no new date has been set for the event, the company has stated that Moscow Millions has “substantial potential."
Stock Watch -- On the LSE, Neteller was up 1.75p to 68.75, Rank was down 3.25p to 164.50 and 888 was down 1.25p to 114.75.