Aggressive Acquisitor -- Following Monday's trading update, Playtech Chief Executive Mor Weizer told the Financial Times that the company will continue to pursue an "aggressive" acquisition strategy, which may include the addition of new Spanish and Italian licensees. Numis Analyst Richard Carter maintained his 2008 forecast for the group but said he may increase between 10 and 15 percent if "current trading momentum remains unchanged."
Expanding and Diversifying -- Malaysian online daily TheEdgeDaily reports that Genting International's venture into online gambling "highlights the company's proactive stance in diversifying and expanding its income base." Analysts with OSK Research reportedly said that although the move was not expected to contribute significantly to the group, it was critical to sustaining long-term earnings momentum. Genting Berhad, parent company to Genting International, is listed on the Bursa Malaysia and today was up RM .10 to RM 7.75.
Betfair for Charity -- Betfair has appointed brandRapport to implement its Cash for Clubs initiative, designed to raise funds for community sports clubs throughout the United Kingdom. Clubs will have the opportunity to apply for funds through the Big Cash Giveaway and Betfair's community Refer and Earn scheme.
MatesOdds in Beta -- Peer-to-peer betting site MatesOdds.com has opened for public beta testing. The new site allows members to create personal profiles, add friends, record and track bets and leave comments.
Record Month -- Interactive Systems Worldwide subsidiary Global Interactive Gaming recorded roughly £1.2 million in turnover during December 2007, besting figures from the previous year period (£146,000) by 720 percent. GIG operates the SportXction play-by-play live wagering system, whose licensees include Caliente and Ladbrokes. "We are very pleased with the wagering volume from our operations in the United Kingdom," said ISWI Chief Executive Bernard Albanese. " . . . turnover this December equaled the third-best month we've ever recorded." Shares in ISWI, listed on the Over the Counter Bulletin Board, remained even at $0.48 today.
Stock Watch -- In late-afternoon trading on the LSE, Neteller was up 2p to 59.00, Sportech was up 1.50p to 99.00 and Ladbrokes was up 7.75p to 295.75.