TOTE TASMANIA On Thursday, Michael Aird, minister for racing for the Tasmanian Government, announced that it will sell Tote Tasmania.
Prior to the sale the government will seek parliamentary approval to amend the Gaming Control Act 1993 to bring the regulation of tote under the Tasmanian Gaming Commission, Mr. Aird said in a prepared statement.
“Maintaining a wagering business in public ownership is not a core function of government,” Mr. Aird added. “The divestment will help in improving tote’s competitive position compared to the other privatized TABs in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.”
According to Mr. Aird, proceeds from the sale will be reinvested into other state assets. He said he hopes to have it finalized by the end of June 2009.
GROWING While 2009 has been off for a rough start for some, IG Group, a spread betting operator in London, has seen international exponential growth, the Financial Times reported.
The group, which principally operates in the United Kingdom, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, saw its revenue grow 45 percent year-on-year with nearly half coming from ventures outside of the United Kingdom.
“All parts of the financial business are growing and the newer the market the greater its growth rate,” Tim A. Howkins, IG Group’s chief executive, told the paper.
The company’s interim results are expected to be announced on Jan. 20.
LAUNCHING Microgaming Software Systems Ltd. has announced the release of four new games -- a new “Mega Moolah” game and three video slots.
As the second installation in the “Mega Moolah” series, “Mega Moolah 5 Reel Drive” gives players the opportunity to win from two jackpots.
Additionally, “Liquid Gold,” a five-reel, 20 payline slot, “Polar Pioneers,” a five-reel, 25 payline slot, and “Joker Poker Level Up Poker,” a multi-level power poker series have also been added to the mix.
Nambling Notes is .