Mobile Tote in the USA -- Youbet.com's United Tote (UT) subsidiary has signed a multi-year agreement with mobile solutions provider Phantom Fiber Corporation to deliver a mobile phone wagering solution that is fully integrated with the totalizator systems used by UT customers. The mobile service will enable players to view race programs, place wagers, manage their accounts and view historical transactions. A prototype of the service will be available for demonstration at the upcoming Symposium on Racing and Gaming, Dec. 3-8 in Tuscon, Ariz., and the product is expected to be ready for launch in Q1 2008.
Rumor Patrol -- Despite Rank Group's rejection of Harrah's Entertainment's all-share buyout offer, new rumors are circulating about a renewed all-cash offer from the U.S. gambling giant, according to financial news reports. Rank closed at 100.50p today, down 7.50p. . . . Further rumblings have PartyGaming rumored to be going private following its CEO, Mitch Garber, cancelling plans to sell off a huge chunk of stock.
Profiting -- Spread betting specialist WorldSpreads on Thursday reported a fivefold increase in profits to 1.3 million euros (US$ 1.9 million) for the six months ended Sept. 30, 2007. The figures are the first released since the company's IPO in August.
Influential Influenza -- Tabcorp said the equine influenza is to blame for a 3.3 percent drop in turnover during the spring carnival. The betting agency released figures on Wednesday showing Victorian punters bet $680 million during the 50-day racing event. Combined, Victorian and NSW punters wagered $1.36 billion over the spring carnival, according to the company.
More Rules for ATP -- Amid a betting scandal surrounding tennis pro Nikolay Davydenko, the Association of Tennis Professionals has introduced a rule requiring players to notify officials within 48 hours if they hear any information about gambling or match-fixing. The rule was approved this week during a three-day board ATP board meeting. Further, players have until the end of the year to report any previous gambling-related contacts over the last five years. Penalties for not doing so have not been determined but will probably be similar to the maximum three-year suspension and US$100,000 fine for players betting on the sport.
Stock Watch -- On the LSE today, British Sky Broadcasting closed at 625.00p, down 9.50p, while William Hill was up 12.50p to 517.50p.