Done Deal -- U.K.-based Rank Group has completed the £502 million ($965 million) sale of its Hard Rock business to subsidiaries of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Therapizing -- U.K. gambling support charity The Gordon Moody Association has announced plans to launch its live, multi-lingual "gambling therapy e-helpline" on March 12 at gamblingtherapy.org. The Web site will offer contact with trained advisors, forums and support groups.
Added -- Mobile gambling operator Spin3 has added baccarat to its suite of games.
No-Go -- Various news sources have reported William Hill has abandoned plans to bid for Rank Group. Reports had claimed the bookmaker was among a number of parties (including Ladbrokes) mulling a bid for Rank, which runs the Mecca Bingo and Grosvenor casino chains. Bill Hill CEO David Harding told reporters on a conference call, however, that the bid was not "on the agenda."
Ladbrokes Hits the Airwaves -- U.S. ad agency Leo Burnett--which coined the ubiquitous Frosted Flakes slogan, "They're grrrreat!"--has created a new televised ad campaign for Ladbrokes. The 30-second spots will air beginning March 8 and target I-bingo players, many of whom left the bingo halls after the U.K. government announced plans to effect a smoking ban in Wales and England this summer.
Launched -- Gambling portal 777.com has launched Spanish-, French- and German-language versions of its site.