Ladbrokes in China -- British bookmaker Ladbrokes has secured a consulting role for China Sports Lottery, the first set of sports betting shops opened in the Beijing province. Ladbrokes is assisting the shops with further development of the range of pool betting markets. "China has the potential to be one of the biggest betting markets in the world," Ladbrokes CEO Chris Bell explained. "This demonstrates how well the brand travels. We're likely to announce another two or four (agreements) in the coming months, and they'll all be in Asia or Europe."
New Addition -- Costa Rica-based gambling firm BETonSPORTS plc announced today the addition of Kathryn Kozak to the company as Brand Director. Kozak was recently director of marketing at Full Tilt Poker, and was the founder and President of Eclipsicom Media Inc., established in 2001 to address the need for localization and marketing in the Internet gaming industry.
Selfless Acts -- Calvin Ayre, CEO of online gambling site Bodog, announced today the official launch of the Calvin Ayre Foundation Web site. The foundation, established in 2004, is federally registered in Costa Rica. It focuses five broad areas: environment, education, social development, child welfare and animal welfare. "Through the Calvin Ayre Foundation, we're able to cross international borders," Ayre explained. "With fewer barriers, we are better able to offer support for meaningful charitable causes."
King Solomon's Windows -- The King Solomons Group announced today the acquisition of the Windows Casino group, which includes Windows Casino, Gold Key casino, Portofino casino and Magic Oasis casino.
Just Say No -- An American doctor named Max Wells filed a $14 million lawsuit with the U.S. District Court in Austin, Texas, claiming that the drug Requip, which is supposed to treat compulsive gambling, had the opposite effect and made him a habitual high roller in Las Vegas. Wells claims he lost $7 million in 2005 and another $7 million in January 2006 due to the drug.