Viva Italia -- The Sunday Times reports that U.K.-based bookmaker Ladbrokes is expected to announce the purchase of three betting shops this week in Turin, Italy. It would be the company's first purchase in Italy since announcing a joint venture with local operator Pianeta Scommessee on Aug. 24. More deals are expected, as Ladbrokes CEO Chris Bell hopes to build up an estate of roughly 200 shops in Italy, which would contribute an estimated $38 million to company profits. The Times also reports that Ladbrokes has interest in Italy because the market there is being liberalized and expanded by the government. News of the deal may accompany the company's trading report, scheduled for issue on Thursday.
Same Site, New Language -- Online bookmaker and poker operator Bowman's International announced today the launch of its online poker brand in both Russian and Chinese. The local language sites were launched to strengthen interests in Chinese and Russian emergent markets, the company said in a prepared statement.
Joining the Fold -- Online poker network Ongame Network today announced the addition of six new operators to its global gaming network. New additions Canbet, Interwetten, Poker.gr, Red Kings, Prime Poker, Tower Gaming and Winamax bring the total number of Ongame network partners to 25.