Going Mobile -- Australian bookmaker Centrebet International Ltd. expects to launch mobile gaming and betting products by the third quarter of fiscal year 2007. The wagering product, which will be launched in early 2007, will be aimed at both the Australian and European markets. The gaming product, launching around Christmas 2006, will only be offered to non-Australian customers.
Measuring Mobile -- Total mobile gambling revenues, including casinos, lotteries and betting, in the Asia-Pacific region are set to rise from $966 million in 2006 to $8.8 billion in 2011, according to the latest industry report by Juniper Research. The research firm said that during this period, Asia Pacific will be the largest geographic market, followed by Europe, with North America and South America considerably behind. According to Juniper's data, Europe and Asia Pacific will see a similar and substantial rise in total revenues, from $950 million in 2006 to $7.9 billion by 2011 and South America will grow from $34 million to $1.33 billion. But by comparison, North America (if allowed by legislation) will rise from no revenue in 2006 to over $3.3 billion by 2011.
Charging too Much? -- British call-in TV quiz shows are facing a shutdown pending an investigation by broadcasting regulator Ofcom. The interactive game shows that supply premium-rate phone numbers for viewers to call to win big-money prizes are being scrutinized following a spike in customer complaints over large phone bills. Ofcom will look at channels like ITV Play, Big Game TV and Avago to decide whether the games constitute lotteries or a prize competitions under the terms of current British law, which says that any game requiring an entry fee, but involving little or no skill, is considered a lottery requiring a license and charity donations. If Ofcom determines the games have breached U.K. law, the Gambling Commission will be forced to close the channels down.
Sorry -- South Korea's prime minister has apologized for allowing video gambling arcades to proliferate in a country where gaming is mostly illegal. "I would like to offer my sincere apologies for the serious damage to the livelihood of low-income earners by the nationwide spread of speculative gaming," Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook said before a cabinet meeting on Tuesday. The apology comes after a public outcry demanding the government curb gambling. Last week Han ordered the closure of thousands of video game parlors suspected of illegal gambling and prosecutors began an investigation. South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun added his apology on Thursday. "I feel deeply sorry for making the people concerned about the unfolding video game scandal. I would like to offer my sincere apologies," said the president in an interview with KBS TV.
Scandalous -- Portsmouth midfielder Richard Hughes has been accused by the Football Association's (FA) compliance department of passing on "inside information" after betting on manager Harry Redknapp's return to the team last December. Hughes' wager was uncovered after betting exchange Betfair handed in details of all bets placed in the 24 hours before Redknapp's return, but the Scottish international midfielder has received only a stern warning. An FA spokesman said, "There is no suggestion that Richard Hughes had inside information and passed it on to others, but he was reminded of his responsibilities with regard to the rules about players betting." FA regulations say a player, manager or director cannot bet on any match or competition in which their club is involved or which they can influence, nor are they allowed to pass on inside information about transfers or appointments for betting purposes. The FA compliance unit says the investigation will continue.
Stock Watch -- Merger news coming from LSE-listed gaming groups was followed today by spikes in the involved companies' share prices. Stanley Leisure was moving toward acquiring rival London Clubs until U.S.-based Harrah's Entertainment swooped in with a sweeter bid, and amid the unfolding story, Stanley's stock value climbed 38p today to close at 656p. London Clubs, meanwhile, closed Thursday at 98.75 and open today on the heels of the Harrah's announcement at 130 (a 32 percent jolt), rose to 134 and closed at 132.5 (a 34 percent increase over yesterday's closing price. Other movers included: Playtech, which rose 5p to 278; 32 red, which dropped 27p to 101.50; and Rank dropped 5.50p to 213.50.