Packer -- Australian media mogul James Packer has reportedly made a tantalizing new offer to racing industry broadcaster ThoroughVisioN (TVN). Packer's Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd. in March made a $25 million bid to TVN for a 25 percent stake in the company. Now PBL has says that Australian cable TV company Foxtel, in which it has 25 percent ownership, could be a partner in the offer. This will not up the offer price, but it could lead to TVN being carried in Foxtel's regular platform.
Ladbrokes -- Rumors abound over a possible takeover of land-based casino operator London Clubs International by British bookmaker Ladbrokes. M&A speculation has spread ever since Ladbrokes was split from its parent company, hotel group Hilton, in February. A Ladbrokes spokesman said the LCI rumor was not worth comment.
Bodog -- Online entertainment powerhouse Bodog.com on Thursday unveiled its new and improved built-in horse racing software. Eight new racetracks have been added, and the payout structure has been changed, offering track odds payouts from $5,000 to $30,000 per wager on various venues.
Sportal -- Sports video Web site sportal.com, part of the TEAMTalk Media group and sister site of Ukbetting.com, announced today that is has acquired broadband video rights to PGA Championship Golf, the British Open, Wimbledon, Rugby Super League, the Ryder Cup and World Boxing. Sportal's new video content will also be syndicated and promoted across all sites within the TEAMtalk Media network, which includes sportinglife.com, Football365.com and Bettingzone.co.uk, among other sites.
GP -- Attention-grabbing I-gaming company Golden Palace, which recently bid $2,550 on eBay to have its logo and URL on the side of a 1997 Dodge Neon when Will Stuckenberg drives it off a cliff near Joplin, Mo., has taken ownership of the stunt and will attempt to take it up a few notches. GP has asked Stuckenberg to find 10 more vehicles for the demolition derby, offering to pay $2,500 for each additional car. Golden Palace's total cost for the cliff-diving advertising is now $27,550. The spectacle is set to take place Saturday.