Quoteworthy -- "Betfair has a positive working environment with an emphasis on encouraging team work. Betfair's 120 IT professionals work with leading edge technology, and the importance of their function is recognized by the company, such that IT staff feel that they are a critical part of the company's success. There are good opportunities for career progression both within technology or outwards to business departments."
- The judges panel for Computer Weekly's 2005 "Best Place to Work in IT" awards. Betfair was recently named as the winner of the award in the entertainment and leisure category.
BAW Sponsorship -- European online betting company BetandWin.com has signed on as a sponsor to Red Bull's Formula 1 racing team. The sponsorship deal will put the BetandWin logo on the uniforms of the Red Bull team, which is entering Formula 1 competition for the first time this year. The team's drivers--David Coulthard, Christian Klien and Vitantonio Liuzzi--will wear the BetandWin logo on their overalls, and Klien will also wear it on his headgear.
Ad Campaign -- Phoenix Interests Inc. has launched a radio and print advertising campaign to promote Barn66.com and BetBarn66.com. The two wagering portals, operated by Phoenix Interests' Online Enterprises subsidiary, began offering account wagering through Oregon-licensed wagering hub AmericaTab in January. The company first tested the advertising concept in Lexington, Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio by running a small marketing campaign to promote a handicapping contest. Jim D. Tilton, Jr., the company's chairman, CEO and president, said the results were so encouraging that they've developed long-range plans in multiple markets and might eventually incorporate Internet marketing strategies and non-traditional efforts. Last week Phoenix Interests enlisted the aid of Pylon Management, which will help develop a marketing strategy and form a long-term acquisition strategy. The company says it seeks to develop a portfolio of investments within the online gaming and entertainment industry.
Poker Craze -- Micropower, the company that provided the software for the Internet-based ESPN Poker Club, has revealed that in under 24 hours of online time, the new poker room has attracted more than 10,000 sign-ups and 1,000 concurrent users. . . . With six tournaments remaining in Season 3 of the World Poker Tour, WPT Enterprises has announced the schedule for Season 4, which will begin in May 2005 and feature an estimated total prize pool of between $70 million and $90 million. Included in the 16-event season are UltimateBet's Aruba Poker Classic, the PokerStars.com Caribbean Adventure and the PartyPoker Million.
WiFiCasino -- Diamond I, a company that specializes in Wi-Fi communications solutions, has postponed a Web-based public preview of its WifiCasino GS hand-held Wi-Fi gaming system because it has decided to accelerate enhancements that will enable the implementation of its wireless gaming systems at horse and dog tracks and on large cruise ships. Diamond I has applied for a gaming license in Nevada and is seeking a Las Vegas hotel/casino to serve as the demonstration site for WifiCasino GS. The company is also seeking a license to operate in the Philippines.