New Deposit Option for Betfred -- Citadel Commerce has agreed to provide Betfred with real-time bank transfer services via its World Wide Wallet solution, a personal, Web-based cash account users can fund directly from their bank accounts. Citadel has been authorized as a large e-money issuer by the U.K. Financial Services Authority, and its World Wide Wallet solution is available to consumers in 26 European countries, including Norway, Belgium, Italy and Malta.
Appointed -- Ladbrokes has appointed Ed Andrewes, most recently of Blue Square and 32Red, managing director of e-gaming, effective March 1, 2008.
PacNet In Compliance with Nasdaq Rules -- PacificNet said the Nasdaq exchange had formally notified it that it was in compliance with filing requirements and will continue to be listed on the Nasdaq global market. In March Nasdaq put the company on notice for delisting due to the withdrawal of audit reports for its financial statements in 2004 and 2005. PacNet President Victor Tong said today the company will announce new guidance on its 2008 revenue outlook in a few weeks.
Fresh Fish -- PocketGamer.co.uk reports that a new company called PlayFish has "decloaked," and is headed by Kristian Segerstrale, former European boss at Glu Mobile. According to Segerstrale, the company is backed by "an international group of mobile games industry veterans who believe that social games are the next big thing in the industry." PlayFish currently employs 10 with $3 million in funding, and has launched its first game, Who Has the Biggest Brain?, on Facebook.com. "We want to combine the best elements from social networks, casual games, MMOGs and virtual worlds to create an entirely new way for people to experience games together," Segerstrale said.
Tabcorp Sells Off Interest in China Keno -- Tabcorp has sold its interest in the China Keno business to its joint venture partner, China Lot Synergy, for A$15 million. In a written statement today the company said that the sale will allow it to achieve a "clean exit" from the China Keno business without any impact on its bottom line. "This decision is consistent with Tabcorp's focus on improving the performance and growth of its Australian casino, wagering and gaming business," said Tabcorp CFO Elmer Funke Kupper.
Launched -- Skill4Prizes has launched a new suite of online skill games on the Finsoft platform at Betfred.com. "We have found that there is a growing number of customers who want an increased interactive gaming experience where a player can be rewarded for elements of skill," said BetFred Games Manager John Cruces.
Dash for Cash -- FUN subsidiary WorldWinner in conjunction with PlayFirst have launched the cash competition-version of the online casual game, Diner Dash. "Partnering with WorldWinner allows us to broaden the Diner Dash audience by tapping into the network of millions of skill-based game players who thrive on competing in their favorite games," said PlayFirst Vice President Rich Roberts.
Coal in the Stocking -- GamblingCompliance reports that Danish poker players were handed an "unwelcome Christmas present" Wedenesday after a Danish High Court found tournament poker to be a game of chance. The ruling overturns a previous district court verdict that had determined it to be a game of skill.
Stock Watch -- On the LSE, 888 was up 0.75p to 134.00, Playtech was up 11.75p to 381.75 and Rank was up 1p to 90.75.