EXPANDING Ongame Network Ltd., the poker network of Bwin Interactive Entertainment, has announced a partner agreement with Bruce Betting Ltd., which will move the online game provider into the Irish market.
The licensing agreement with the independent Irish bookmaker was part of Ongame Network’s long-term goals for expansion by partnering with well-established brands. Employing each company’s assets, they have launched BrucePoker.com.
“We know what to look for in a new licensee in order to maintain financial growth and stable player equity within our network and Bruce Betting is a company that matches these criteria very well,” said Kevin O’Neal, a press officer with Bwin. “We are delighted to bring them aboard and are looking forward to delivering an unrivalled online poker experience to their customers.”
EXTENDING Iforium, an online gaming software supplier, announced today that it has extended its agreement with betinternet.com. It will power the Web site’s sports betting portal for two more years on the Wagerflex platform.
The platform gives betinternet.com access to full event content and risk management among other features.
“We have developed a strong business relationship with Iforium over the course of the last two years,” said Garry R. Knowles, managing director of Webis Holdings, in a prepared statement. ”Our betinternet.com sportsbook portal has seen great improvement and this contract extension will ensure that this level of improvement remains continuous.”
BACK TO BASICS Latin Interactive Gaming is going back to its roots. The Malta-based online firm is taking aim at the Spanish and Latin-American market by launching five local branches such as Pokermillones, Apuestamillones and Casinomillones.
The company received 1 million euros this year to begin funding the operation and its first move will be to acquire the Mediagambling Network.
“With our long experience within the gaming and entertainment industry, it is clear that Latin Interactive Gaming has a big opportunity to dominate the Hispanic market in the following two years,” said Maximiliano De Muro, partner and chief executive of Latin Interactive Gaming.
REPORTING Gaming VC Holdings S.A. had a revenue hike of 20 percent, according to the company’s first-half interim results.
The Luxembourg-based online gaming operator earned 26.3 million euros in the first-half from 22 million euros last year. Operating profit was up 19 percent at 10. 6 million as well as the gross margin profit, which improved from last year’s report by 80 percent.
“These results are testament to our successful strategy of strengthening the level of expertise within the group,” said Kenneth J. Alexander, chief executive of Gaming VC, in a prepared statement. “Our German casino business remained resilient, and we have diversified into new product and markets.”
LAUNCHING William Hill and Sky Bet are going to be unveiling mobile betting services provided by Mfuse, a privately held mobile service provider.
Set to launch by the end of the year, a William Hill will use Mfuse’s mobile provisioning and transaction technology. The new platform is planned to link seamlessly into the pre-established system.
The new service will enable users to sign up directly without the use of a computer.
“We are committed to pushing the boundaries of mobile betting technology and delivering reliable services with a high level of support,” said Charles Palmer, marketing director of Mfuse, in a prepared statement. “(William Hill’s) customers will enjoy an easy-to-use betting experience from their mobile phones.”
MOST RESISTANT? According to a Bloomberg report, Dresdner Kleinwort analysts are saying that William Hill, Ladbrokes and Rank Group might be “the most resistant” to the United Kingdom’s economic slowdown.
Lately gaming companies have seen stocks rise. Andrew P. Lee, a Dresdner Kleinwort analyst, noted that companies like these were safe havens of stability during the last weak period during the early ‘90s.
”It's in people's mindset and human nature to gamble,'' Mr. Lee told the news service. "When things get tough, frankly they don't change that habit -- it's part of their staple diet.”
BINGO BILL REBUTTAL The California Tribal Business Alliance fired back at the California Charity Bingo Association on Wednesday after the association condemned SB 1369, or the bingo bill, in a press release.
The statement from the tribe alleges that the bingo association is a mere lobby group funded by a slot machine manufacturer and outlines what the group calls “the phony issues” presented by the bingo association.
To clarify, SB 1369 does not allow for individuals to play bingo from home using the Internet. According to the bill, it will allow a live feed to be broadcast to a remote location via cable, Internet, satellite, broadband, telephone or any other means of electronic transmission of the announcement of winning numbers.
To read the bill in its entirety, click here.
“Contrary to some claims, the authorization in SB 1369 for charities to use the internet to transmit the ball draw to different bingo halls would not open the door for tribes to offer gaming via the internet,” the alliance states in its press release.
PARTNER UP Jadestone, a Swedish online game developer, has announced GamArena, its skill business-to-business games network, has added three new distribution partners.
Ekstrabladet, a Denmark tabloid, Nordic Gaming Group, a game provider, and ToucanWIN, a new soft games brand, have all signed on to distribute GamArea games.
“We’re very happy to welcome these three new high quality partners to the GamArena network,” said Tobias Nissen, business development director at Jadestone, in a prepared statement. “Despite their diverse site offerings and content styles, the GamArena games will add value to their existing customers and site visitors.”
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