Making Deals -- Israeli gaming software developer Zone4Play announced today plans to build an interactive gaming service for UPC Digital television users in the Netherlands and Austria. Erez Lahav, Zone4Play's business development manager, said the service will enable UPC Digital subscribers to play games like blackjack, slots and baccarat on their television sets. Zone4Play in December completed the implementation of gaming platforms for Orange and 02, which are both cell phone carriers, in Israel and Europe.
Breaking Deals -- Boss Media said today that its license agreement with Dr. Ho has been dissolved. Boss had supplied Dr. Ho with casino software since September of 2001.
Data Hub -- UK newspaper The Guardian reports today on the findings of a market research study from a company named Mintel. The study found that between 2002 and 2005, the profits of bookmakers will increase to £2.5 billion from £1.5 billion. The study also predicts that the National Lottery will experience a decline in profits to £2.29 billion from £2.37 billion. ... The number of suicides linked to gambling in 2002 was lower than in past years, the Quebec coroner's office is reporting. Twelve gambling-related suicides were reported as of Dec. 18, 2002. In 2001 the number was 30, and in 2000 it was 20.
Bit from Down Under -- Canbet, an Australian gambling company, has bought a property in Hampshire, United Kingdom, from which to run its U.K. sports betting business. Canbet will begin operating from the new property, which it purchased for £1.43 million, in April. The company is waiting to receive its bookmaker's permit in the United Kingdom; it filed the necessary papers for the permit on Dec. 17, 2002.
No News Is Good News -- The U.S. Federal Trade Commission last week announced the top 10 categories of consumer complaints for the 2000-2001 year. Notably, Internet gambling isn't on the list. The categories include, in descending order: Internet auctions; Internet service and computer complaints; advance fee loans and credit protection; shop-at-home and catalog sales; foreign money offers; prizes, sweepstakes and lotteries; business opportunities and work-at-home plans; telephone services; health care; and magazines and buyers clubs.