BRANDED Los Angeles-based National Lampoon Inc. has decided to mix humor with I-gaming on a new Web site, which made its debut on Tuesday.
The company announced its new casino, which is powered by Poker Face L.L.C., would provide its visitors “with what is arguably one the hottest and stickiest social networking applications, online gaming.”
Set to become an affiliate of the National Lampoon Humor Network, NationalLampoonCasino offers poker games with tournament formats, trivia challenges and financial market competitions. To play, visitors sign up through The National League of Poker.
“Our plan is to offer our visitors the excitement and feel of Vegas, while adding something we all need in this economic time, some fun and games mixed with a splash of humor,” said Mark Songer, Poker Face’s chief executive, in a prepared statement.
GAME WHILE NETWORKING Netlog, a Belgian social networking Web site, has joined forces with Jadesone, a Swedish provider of online gaming, to release multiplayer games for Netlog’s online community.
Fully integrated in the social networking platform, the games can be played from Netlog’s site without creating an account on Jadestone’s GamArena. Featured games include the Egyptian-themed “Scarab Solitaire.”
“Netlog is one of the fastest growing social networks in Europe and around the world and is constantly improving the online experience of its young and dynamic community,” said Robert Henrysson, Jadestone’s chief executive. “It is also a place where users can have fun -- and we’re delighted to be able to enrich their experience.”
LADBROKES FINDS NEW PRO During a press meeting in Copenhagen on Wednesday, Ladbrokes and Peter Jepsen, a Danish poker pro, announced a sponsorship deal.
Succeeding Morten “Pokergirl” Erlandsen, Mr. Jepsen will sponsor both online and live tournaments for Ladbrokes. His contract runs from Jan. 1, 2009 through next year with an option for continuation.
“It cost us a big sack of Christmas money to win Peter over, but I am sure it is well spent,” Richard Funch of Ladbrokes said in a prepared statement.
Mr. Jepsen, who spent last year in a sponsorship with Full Tilt, said he is delighted to be back with the Web site where his only career “practically started.”
“I will challenge a lot people in the future to come, and I hope they will accept my invites,” he added in regards to grudge matches he hopes to play on Ladbrokes’ Web site.
APPOINTED On Thursday, Rank Group appointed Mark Jones, 44, as managing director of Blue Square, Rank’s I-gaming arm, effective immediately.
Also joining Rank’s executive committee, Mr. Jones has a strong background in the online world as the founder and chief executive of Online Travel Corporation, managing director of lastminute.com as well as holding senior-level positions at Travelocity.com L.P. and Harrods Ltd.
LAUNCHED Mamamia Bingo has launched a casino portal in a deal with NYX Interactive, a gaming industry solutions provider.
“The launch of NYX Casino will increase our market share even further,” said Tommy Blomqvist, Mamamia Bingo’s chief executive, in a prepared statement.
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