Trading Resumed -- Neteller, the London-listed payments processor, this morning resumed trading in its shares. Prices nosedived 113p (64 percent) to 63.00. Click here for the full story.
Playtech Reports Soaring Poker Revenue -- Playtech this morning released second-quarter figures, which show significant growth in poker revenue spurred by its acquisition of Tribeca Tables last November. Poker revenue over the three months to the end of June jumped 50 percent against figures from Q1 2007 to $6.3 million--and, strikingly, against Q2 2006, poker revenue soared 288 percent. "The second quarter was the first full quarter of contributions from our Tribeca licensees," said Playtech chief executive Mor Weizer. "The successful migration and integration of them has left Playtech as the world's leading independent poker network." Meanwhile, total revenue for H1 2007 rose 80 percent to $44 million, while actual revenue for Q2 2007 fell 5 percent to $25.4 million.
US 'Accepts' Defeat? -- Further to Tuesday's update on the U.S.-Antigua dispute before the World Trade Organization, the United States has lodged its objection to the level of sanctions requested by the tiny Caribbean nation ($3.4 billion, annually), filing a request for arbitration in the matter. "The United States would emphasize that the level of Antigua's request is patently excessive," it said in a prepared statement. An unnamed source with the Associated Foreign Press told the news service that the arbitration process--whereby the correct level of sanctions are determined--"normally takes about two months." Quite surprisingly, the United States said that it "accepts" the outcome of earlier WTO rulings that found U.S. cross-border restrictions on I-gaming violate international trade agreements.
Four New Ones from Playtech -- In other news from Playtech, the company has added four new games to its casino package, including 21 Duel Blackjack and Wild Viking.
Will Hill Launches Mobile Betting -- William Hill has recently launched its mobile betting site, mobile.willhill.com, using MobileAware technology. "Expanding William Hill's multi-channel betting offerings is key to the company's future growth strategy; we are already witnessing an excellent return from the mobile channel in terms of channel uptake and increased revenues," said William Hill biz development manager Richard Woodworth.
Three's Company -- The Channel Island of Alderney has granted bingo software provider Virtue Fusion an eGambling License. At July's meeting of the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, the group awarded licensure to three operators (including Virtue Fusion), bringing the total number of licensees on the island to 34.
Stock Watch -- On the LSE, Playtech was down 10.75p to 360.50, PartyGaming was down 1p to 29.25 and William Hill was down 7p to 621.50.