Coming Soon -- According to sources with Reuters, Rank Group's Blue Square operation will provide sports betting services for 888. The announcement is expected on Monday, with one source saying, "We expect a pan-European launch in Q1 2008 before also going to other countries as well."
Playing Nice -- According to a joint release this morning, Svenska Spel and Boss Media have agreed to supply an unnamed, state-controlled operator with security and software solutions, respectively. The anonymous operator, a member of World Lottery Association, is to launch its own poker site in early 2008. For its efforts, the Swedish tandem will be compensated via an undisclosed percentage of the rake from the new site.
To Be Launched -- Betbrokers will launch an online poker site next week -- the first of many new services the company plans to offer clients, according to CEO Wayne Lochner. To kick off the poker site, the company will hold a celebrity poker tournament featuring Phil Tufnell, Nasser Hussein and John Virgo.
More Effort, Please -- Professional tennis player Nikolay Davydenko, who has been under the watchful eye of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) since being accused of throwing a match in July, was accused by an umpire at a match in Paris on Thursday of not playing at his best. Previously, Davydenko had been warned by another umpire in St. Petersberg for not trying hard enough, and was later fined by the ATP for "lack of best effort." Davydenko blamed his lack of effort on an elbow injury.
Live -- German operator FLUXX AG has launched a U.K.-facing sports book, JAXX.com. In July, FLUXX announced an agreement with AOL UK, which enabled U.K. customers to begin placing bets on international horse races and other sporting events on JAXX.com. The site will feature propositions on Newcastle United Football Club, with whom the company also has a partnership agreement.
Stock Watch -- On the LSE, 888 was up 7.50p to 130.50, Rank was down 2.50p to 94.50 and Neteller was down 1.50p to 70.75.