Shareholders, Rejoice -- Betsson has said its 2007 operating profit has "developed well," and will hold its annual general meeting on May 22 to discuss (among other issues) bumping up its dividend from nil to $0.07 a share.
Performing Well -- Lottomatica SpA, the Italian gaming company, has said its first quarter went "very well," bolstered by its scratch-card business, which CEO Marco Sala said has been experiencing "an incredible performance." Sala also said that the company plans to launch domestic sports-betting services in September 2007. Its Q1 results are scheduled for release on May 4.
Monopolizing Well -- Svenska Spel has released its Q1 results, which reveal online poker-driven profits of $212.9 million, a 22 percent increase against last year's figure. "We are happy … to deliver such a good result in the face of fierce competition," said company CEO Jesper Karrbrink.
Coming Soon -- Crytpologic has announced plans to release its Bonus Pack 11 games suite during this year's Global I-gaming Summit and Expo (GIGSE), which will feature marvel-branded titles, sudoku and slots.
Seeking Partners -- Madrid-based gaming company Codere, which, last August, announced a joint sports-betting venture with William Hill, is seeking private equity partners to raise funds for further expansion. DingNews.com reports Apax, Permira, Providence, Hellman & Friedman and Advent--all private equity firms--are rumoured to be in the hunt for 49 percent interest in the $1.9 billion company.
Under Construction -- Hungary-based Szerencsejáték Zrt (SZ), the state-owned gambling company, on Friday announced a public tender for the acquisition of IT equipment to develop and expand its online gambling services. CEO Gábor Székely said that "lengthy legal procedures" may push the launch-date of certain games back 18 months. Currently, SZ controls rights to supply sports betting services, number draw games and prize draw tickets in the country. On March 21, 2007, the European Commission formally requested Hungary to loosen its monopolistic restrictions on sports betting.
One Hot Minute -- Everest Poker has signed an agreement with ESPN's European network to broadcast The Everest Poker Minute, a series of one-minute shorts featuring tips and stories from notable poker pros. The show--20 episodes in all--will air weekly beginning April 23.
Stock Watch -- On the LSE today, 888 is down 4.75p to 117.75, Ladbrokes is up 1.50p to 405 and PartyGaming is up 2.50p to 57.50.