Ladbrokes Balls! -- Video mobile network Hutchinson 3G UK, most commonly referred to simply as 3, has teamed up with Ladbrokes to bring the "Ladbrokes Balls!" numbers drawing game to video mobile phones in the UK. Already the most popular game on Ladbrokes.com, Ladbrokes Balls! entails a drawing of six numbered balls from a total of 48, with a new game starting every minute.
IGW in Europe -- Online gaming software provider IGW Software has appointed the Cameron Thomson Group as its European business development partner. Cameron Thomson Group, which specializes in corporate development and investment banking services to the media, gaming and entertainment industries, will orchestrate IGW's expansion into the United Kingdom and Continental European I-gaming markets and assist in building IGWs sales and distribution channel.
Avago Poker -- Multi-platform I-gaming solutions provider Zone4Play has signed an agreement with British operator The Gaming Channel to launch a new multi-player Texas Hold'em iTV game as part of a play-for-fun package on the Avago channel. Expected to launch by the end of 2004, the game will feature a sophisticated tournament platform that will enable thousands of players to bet simultaneously. It will also include elements enabling players to communicate and interact with each other.
Youbet Sponsorship -- Online wagering company Youbet.com, the largest provider of horse racing content in the United States, has become a sponsor of ESPN.com's new horse racing version of ESPNMotion, an online video delivery system that lets Internet users view edited video clips from ESPN television broadcasts.
Poker Coaching -- Launched last week, Pokercoaching.com offers aspiring poker players professional card-playing tutelage from two seasoned veterans, Jim Bucci and Bill Seymour. Bucci has been playing poker professionally for 23 years and has made 32 final table appearances, winning seven of them. One of his students recently won over $189,000 by finishing third in the $2,500 buy-in for the PokerStars.com 2004 World Championship of Online Poker No Limit Texas Hold'Em event. Seymour has made 75 final tables and won 17 tournaments, including the 2004 World Poker Finals 7 Card Stud event. The coaches will tutor players by talking to them over the phone while they play online games.