REVENUE HIKE Playtech had upbeat news for investors in its interim report, which ended June 30, 2008. Total revenues for the London-based software developer skyrocketed 85 percent from $44 million in 2007 to $81.4 million.
Casino revenues climbed up 78 percent from $32.6 million to $58 million, and poker revenues more than doubled from $10.5 million in ’07 to $22 million.
“Playtech is ideally placed to capitalize on the opportunities provided by the fast-growing global gaming market,” said Mor Weizer, chief executive of Playtech, in a prepared statement. “The company has potential for far more significant growth, and its unique business model places it in a strong position.”
Playtech’s strength can be attributed to the 10 new license agreements that have been signed this year. The company expects even more licenses will launch during the second half of 2008.
EXPANDING Those looking to transfer funds seamlessly across the Continent will have more options today as Ivobank, an online banking service, will now be offered in more countries throughout Europe.
Regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Services Authority, the online payment and money transfer specialists will now be available in France, Italy and Germany in addition to the United Kingdom, Spain, Ireland and Canada.
“Following our successful launch . . . we are looking forward to opening up our rapid payments service to more customers across Europe and plan to introduce our service to even more European countries shortly,” said Timothy Sawyer, managing director of Ivobank, in a prepared statement.
THE SEAL DEAL Fortune Affiliates announced today it is the first I-gaming affiliate program to receive the “Affiliate Trust Seal” of approval from eCOGRA.
The new seal from the I-gaming industry’s nonprofit standards authority point out affiliate operators who have the same standards of fairness and excellence as operators who hold the Safe and Fair Seal, which is said to it identify the most reputable online casino and poker rooms.
To earn the seal, a company must show it calculates affiliate revenue accurately, pays promptly and show how it pinpoints a link between players and affiliates.
"The eCOGRA Affiliate Trust initiative is more about actually going and visiting the management and operations of affiliate programs, gaining direct access to check relevant player and affiliate data to ensure that affiliate members are being treated fairly," said Andrew Beveridge, eCOGRA chief executive.
FROM PUCKS TO CHIPS Mats Sundin, the former National Hockey League star, has signed on with PokerStars, an online poker room, to play in live tournaments for charity.
Mr. Sundin, a former Olympic champion, will gamble under the alias of “MatsSundin” and appear in the PokerStars.com global poker tour circuit.
“I have always enjoyed playing poker, and partnering with PokerStars gives me the opportunity to challenge myself and explore the full potential of my game,” Mr. Sundin said in a prepared statement. “Learning from and playing against some of the best poker players in the world won’t be easy, but I believe the fighting spirit I’ve developed as a hockey pro will really help me at the tables.
iLAUNCH Griffin Technology has launched a casino game for the Apple's wildly popular iPhone and iPod touch called Double Bonus Slots.
Although players won’t be gambling with real money, the game includes more action and sound and bigger bets and payouts than Lucky 7 Slots, Griffin’s iPhone application that was released in late July.
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