UK Market Stats -- The Independent reported that an academic study by the Leisure Industries Research Centre of Sheffield Hallam University predicts a boom in the UK gambling market in the near future. According to the study, gambling spending by consumers will rise to £11.8 billion in 2009, up £4.9 billion from 1999. That figure includes betting, which is expected to rise from £1.6 billion to £4.3 billion. Gaming machines, such as fruit machines, poker, blackjack and roulette, will hit the £3.3 billion mark at the end of the decade. Profits from bingo are expected to rise to £679 million, up £109 million from 2004. But pool betting will decline to £62 million. The study's results are based on figures from official gambling bodies.
Empire V Party -- Legal proceedings between Empire Online and PartyGaming plc began Tuesday in Gibraltar's High Court. Empire is claiming a breach of contract by PartyGaming for marketing to Empire's clientele after the two companies parted ways. "The company seeks substantial damages and injunctive relief from PartyGaming," Empire said.
Quoteworthy -- "We congratulate Empire on kick-starting the pantomime season."
--statement made by PartyGaming's director of communications John Shepherd regarding the legal case brought in Gibraltar's High Court by Empire Online against PartyGaming. AFX news wires also carried a quote by Shepherd which stated, "I note that Empire put pantomime tickets up for sale this morning and I won't be buying any."
Hockey Jam -- Online skillgaming provider FUN Technologies plc announced today that its subsidiary, SkillJam Technologies Corporation, signed an agreement to create a private-label skill-gaming platform for North America's National Hockey League (NHL). SkillJam will develop, operate and support a pay-for-play skill gaming platform for the NHL's official Website, NHL.com, which will enable players to compete in over 70 tournament-style games. The site is expected to go live in early 2006.
Bigger Stake -- International broadcasting company, the Modern Times Group AB, announced Monday that it has spent €8 million to increase its holding in Nordic Betting Ltd., which owns online gaming and betting company Bet24.com, by 39 percent. The transaction should be completed by the first quarter of 2006.