Hush Hush Bingo Agreement -- Net Entertainment has signed a licensing agreement with a well-established Swedish bingo operator, which at this point would like to remain anonymous. The bingo company is currently applying for a gaming license in Malta, and the target launch for the joint venture is early in Q2 2008.
New and Improved 32Red Poker -- 32Red Poker has announced the launch of its new and exclusive poker offering on the Microgaming Poker network. The Microgaming-developed software features the introduction of a hand history record and a buddy system, in which players can add friends and their favorite competitors to their buddy lists for quicker contact.
Taking One for the Team -- Alderney-licensed online casino GetMinted.com will become the first casualty of Germany's online gambling ban when it exits the tightening market next month. Stuart Miller, Casino Manager for the site, informed all German-registered players last week that their accounts would be suspended beginning March 1. He also told players that game play had already been suspended but they could withdraw any funds up to the March 1 deadline.
Big Bingo Float -- Several U.K. news sources are reporting today that U.K.-based online bingo operator Cashcade is considering a float or trade sale over the next year that could value the company at £100 million. Cashcade operates bingo and other online games for groups such as Trinity Mirror and the Daily Mail, and owns the Foxybingo and Getminted sites.
The Wrath of Canterbury -- The Church of England on Tuesday condemned the U.K. government's liberalization of the gambling laws, blaming it for an increase in spending. The General Synod, which met at Church House, Westminster, passed a resolution stating it was "gravely concerned" that expenditure on gaming had risen from £4 billion to £40 billion over four years. The Archbishop of Canterbury has called on Culture Minister Andy Burnham to institute a statutory levy on the industry to pay for education and treatment of gambling addicts.
Stock Watch -- On the LSE today, 888 was up 4.25p to 143.75, BskyB was up 13.00 to 581, William Hill was up 4.75p to 393 while FUN Technologies fell 3.50p to 163.