Antigua/Barbuda vs. U.S. -- The World Trade Organization dispute panel arbitrating the case between Antigua and Barbuda and the United States has decided upon its working procedures and timetable. The islands are scheduled to deliver their first submission to the panel on Oct. 1. The panel expects to issue its final report in February.
Board Review -- Sportingbet is beginning a formal review of its board and is prepared to make any necessary changes to "reflect the forthcoming needs of the Sportingbet Group." Alfred Ballester already submitted his resignation yesterday and will leave Sportingbet on October 23 at the annual shareholders meeting.
Dealin' -- Scientific Games Corporation has signed a definitive agreement to acquire IGT OnLine Entertainment Systems, Inc. from International Game Technology for $143 million in cash. Scientific games will also acquire IGT's Advanced Gaming System video lottery system contracts, certain intellectual property, and a license to some of IGT's slot brands for instant and online lottery games.... Parlay Entertainment Ltd. has signed a letter of understanding with TransAct-Online-- a gaming sales portal for Global Funding Alliance in the United Kingdom-- that enables Parlay licensees to attain a direct bank-issued merchant processing account for their gaming sites. Parley will use Global Funding's software in order to enable credit card acceptance for gaming transactions.... NorStar Group, has signed a letter of intent to acquire Gaming & Entertainment Group, Inc. The parties expect to conclude their due diligence investigations in the next few days before entering into a definitive agreement.
Lotto Bids -- Games International of the US, Itralot of Greece, Austrian Lotteries, and EsNet of Sweden have placed bids for the privatization of Bulgaria's State Lottery. A committee will assess whether the candidates meet the proper requirements and whether their financial and technical capacities fulfill the procurement. After the committee submits its findings to the minister next month, the bidders who pass the preliminary round will enter negotiations.