New E-Cash Option -- Online casino operator Bodog will begin offering U.S.-based players e-wallet solutions from NuCharge, reports online-gambling-insider.com. Bodog customers purchase long-distance phone credit from NuCharge in $100, $200 or $300 sums, which can then be exchanged for e-cash on Bodog's Web site.
Virgin Venture Heats Up -- Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group is in talks with Australia-based operator Tabcorp regarding the construction of a £1.5 billion ($2.9 million) casino in Macau, reports Reuters. The news source quotes sources "familiar with the situation" as saying Tabcorp CEO Matthew Slatter last week visited Macau to look at potential sites and partners for the casino. However, the discussions remained in "early stages," sources said.
Growth-Oriented -- Italy-based lotteries operator Lottomatica SpA said that it expects annual sales to rise at a yearly clip of seven to eight percent over the next three years. In a presentation of its business plan issued today, spanning 2007 to 2009, the company projects 2007 pre-tax profits of between 1.65 and 1.75 billion euros and is planning for an annual dividend payout of between 120 and 130 million euros.
Launched -- Mobile applications company Masabi on Jan. 24 announced it had, in conjunction with I-gaming provider Playtech, launched a casino gaming suite for lower-end mobile phones.
Betfair Challenges WA Government -- Internet betting exchange Betfair has issued proceedings in the High Court of Australia challenging the constitutionality of Western Australian (WA) "anti-betting exchange laws," some of which take effect today, reports virtualforumguide.com. "Betfair has been left with no choice but to challenge the WA Government's attempts to restrict free trade between the States," said Betfair corporate and business affairs director Andrew Twaits. Twaits said that the legislation prevents WA residents from placing bets with Betfair, and, more broadly, prevents betting exchanges from operating in WA. "Betfair is … disappointed that former Racing Minister Mark McGowan introduced this legislation without being willing to meet with Betfair to test his arguments from doing so," Twaits added.