Socialist Millionaire -- Globes Online reports that Avi Shaked, a controlling shareholder for online gambling group 888, published a full-page ad in two newspapers today announcing his intention to run for the Israeli Labor Party's list in the impending Knesset (Parliament) elections. Shaked is considered one of the wealthiest people in Israel, which is reflected in his campaign slogan, "Avi Shaked, socialist millionaire (and not ashamed of it)." Most of Shaked's wealth comes from 888's September IPO in which he and his brother, Aharon Shaked, each sold shares worth $90 million and were left with holdings in the company worth about $250 million each. "Despite all this money, I believe that for the sake of all of our futures here in Israel, I must act on behalf of the have-nots," Shaked said in his published announcement. He added, "The time has come for a revolution in Israeli society's order of priorities. The time has come that we should all understand that narrowing the gaps is in everyone's interests, including the haves. There is no future for a country in which working people are below the poverty line."
Honored -- Andrea Wilson, CEO of Bermuda-based First Atlantic Commerce (FAC) was named European CEO Magazine's Business Lead of the Year 2005 thanks to her commitment to secure and safe e-commerce payment processing transactions. Panel judges chose Wilson based on her contributions to the global business process and the integration of markets; her speed of progress to the top of her field; her exploitation of location to enhance the effectiveness and development of the business and the quality of the company's product and excellence of support service.
A Million Busted in China -- China's Xinhua News Agency reported today that Chinese authorities arrested 1.16 million people suspected of involvement in illegal betting in a nationwide antigambling campaign between January and September of this year. Police have seized 2.3 billion Yuan (US$288 million) in 163,000 cases throughout the crackdown, which is aimed mainly at preventing public officials from squandering public funds in casinos in neighboring Macau, North Korea and Vietnam. According to the report, 8,735 members of the ruling Communist Party were punished for gambling between January and October. "Cross-border gambling, especially when played by government officials, could directly undermine the national security and social stability, and tarnish CPC's image," said Liu Xirong, an official with the party's Discipline Inspection Commission. Liu said 30 agencies linked to overseas casinos and 19 underground banks were closed this year.
Upgrading -- To capitalize on the busy football betting season, online sports betting operator Sportstbook.com says it will integrate its gaming Web site with BetCorp's gaming and banking software. Sportsbook.com on Nov. 30 launched on BetCorp.com' white-label platform, which hosts 12 additional gaming sites.
Have You Been Naughty or Nice? -- The Swedish Research Institute of Trade on Thursday picked poker game sets as "Christmas Present of the Year," a title it has handed out annually since 1988 to the top holiday gift wish. Poker sets, which include gambling chips and decks of cards, have become increasingly popular in the Scandinavian nation. "Interest is driven by the Internet (poker), and also by casinos and media," institute analyst Emma Hernell said.