New Payment Option -- Ecommerce payment solutions provider First Atlantic Commerce Ltd. (FAC) on Sunday launched its new "Pan Asian" credit card payment solution, which allows FAC merchants to transact and settle in multiple currencies. "This solution provides an ideal springboard to merchants wanting to expand in the region," said FAC Biz Development VP Glyn Hoskins-Turner.
Acquired -- Interactive media group NetPlay TV today announced the acquisition of Sunderland-based Abstract Games for £4 million ($7.8 million).
Appointed -- Betting exchange Betfair, in conjunction with its joint venture partner, Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd. (PBL), today announced the appointment of Anthony Klok as CEO of Betfair's Australian operations.
PBL Denies Tabcorp Takeover -- The Australian reports that PBL head of gaming, Rowen Craigie, said that the company was not considering a move for Tabcorp, whose recent struggles have seen CEO Matthew Slatter put on six-months notice by the company's institutional shareholders. Craigie told the paper that PBL's next move would be overseas, and that the company is not "focusing on Tabcorp or the rest of the sector in Australia."
Shut Down? -- Various news sources are reporting that New Zealand's Green Party is calling for the shutdown of online gambling Web site Race-O New Zealand, amid claims that its operations contravene existent gambling-related legislation and "threaten the viability of the racing industry."
Expanding -- U.K.-based bookmaker Ladbrokes has announced plans to open 45 new betting shops in Ireland, said Joe Lewins, managing director of the company's Irish operation. Lewins said the company is looking at sites where it is "poorly represented or not represented," and plans to invest roughly $526,300 in a "concept" betting shop in Ballsbridge.
Growth-Oriented -- Online operator Betinternet on Friday said that it had raised £300,000 ($588,630) after entering into a convertible loan with its major shareholder, Burnbrae. Betinternet said the sum would enable it to fund short-term working capital requirements and continue the development of its sportsbook portal and pari-mutuel Web sites.
New Agreement -- Germany-based commercial lottery operator Tipp24 AG on Feb. 19 announced a cooperative agreement with ProSiebenSat.1 Group subsidiary SevenOne Interactive, which allows German I-lotto players to purchase tickets on ProSiebenSat.1's network of Web sites.
Canceled -- The evidentiary hearing set for March 2 in the case against BetonSports (BoS), Direct Mail Expertise, Inc., DME Global Marketing & Fulfillment, Inc., Mobile Promotions, Inc. and the 11 related individuals, including ex-BoS CEO David Carruthers, has been canceled. U.S. Magistrate Judge Mary Ann Medler ruled on Friday that all pretrial motions have been reviewed and are "fully and completely briefed and do not require oral arguments" for her to make a ruling on them. No further action had been scheduled.