Spin3 UK-Bound -- Spin3 has announced the appointment of Mark Hirschfield as chief executive of its U.K. operations. The company, a mobile gaming provider with ties to Microgaming, said Hirschfield's appointment signals its intention to "establish itself as the leading provider of mobile gaming solutions to the United Kingdom."
An Embarrassing Slip? -- According to the Daily Mail, analysts are warning that ticket sales for the U.K. National Lottery could fall £500 million below expectations. The paper says that the lottery's organizer, Camelot, projected sales of between £10 billion and £15 billion over the course of its current seven-year license -- which expires in January 2009 -- but the actual figure could be as low as £9.5 billion. Quoting the U.K. National Lottery Commission's former Head of Communications Mark Slattery, the paper reports the shortfall would be "beyond embarrassment to the government." In August, the commission said that Camelot would retain its license until 2019. Camelot beat out India-based operator Sugal & Dumani to win the ten-year contract.
Sexy Casino -- Ann Summers, the U.K.-based retailer of adult products and lingerie, is set to launch a branded online casino, AnnSummersCasino.com, to compliment its existing bingo offering tag-lined The Sexy Bingo. Software will be provided by St. Minver. Ann Summers is owned by Gold Group International, which holds a significant stake in Birmingham City Football Club.
Playfair? -- The Telegraph reports that Betfair has demanded that an estimated 20 poker players return more than £100,000 in "winnings" that were taken unfairly. Players, the paper says, were alleged to have taken advantage of a computer glitch in some tournament games, which led to the betting exchange making erroneous payments to every participant in certain all-in situations. The Telegraph picked up the story on the 2 + 2 poker forum. Betfair has yet to publicly confirm or deny that it will take legal action against these players, should they elect to not return the money.
Stock Watch -- On the LSE today, London Capital Group was down 10.50p to 349.50, Playtech was down 7.50p to 325.75 and Neteller was down 1.75p to 64.00.