OPEN THE DOORS? Sweden’s inquiry commission on gambling issued a proposal that would permit foreign gaming companies to operate within its borders, according to The Local, a Stockholm-based news Web site.
The commission, which has been examining gambling in the country, said companies would purchase a license allowing bets to be placed on certain sports like football and ice hockey by those over 18 years old. However, the license would restrict operators from running casinos or setting up gaming machines in Sweden.
Additionally, the commission is also looking at ways it would block foreign companies from running outside online operations, which could entail I.P. and payment blocking for companies without a license.
PARTNER UP Gtech Global Services Corporation is partnering with Sport Pari to construct the first online lottery system in Belarus.
Gtech’s agreement with Sport Pari, which was recently granted an exclusive license by Italy’s government, will run through July 2013. Beginning in October 2008, Gtech expects revenues of 11 million euros during that five-year term.
Under the agreement, Gtech will provide Sport Pari with its enterprise series solution and 1,000 terminals for the first online lotto game launch in October. That number will later be expanded to 5,000.
“This agreement in Belarus is strategically important for Gtech as we look to expand our presence in this rapidly-developing region and support governments and their licensed operators in regulating the gaming market,” said Jaymin B. Patel, Gtech's president and chief executive, in a prepared statement yesterday.
GOAL ATTAINED After reaching the one-million-user mark less than a year ago, PKR.com has hit the two million mark, the poker room announced today.
Named by PokerScout.com as the second-fastest-growing online poker room, PKR.com says its success comes from the launch of the hour-long PKR TV show, the introduction of Club PKR loyalty program and the publishing of its consumer magazine, Stacked.
“Only a handful of poker brands have ever reached this milestone, and none have done it so quickly and without taking U.S. players,” said Simon Prodger, marketing director of PKR.com, in a prepared statement. “We are delighted with our progress and look forward to making our third year even better.”
MOVING ON NetPlay TV, an interactive gaming company, announced today it will be relocating Bingos.com from Majorca, Spain, to its existing operation in the United Kingdom.
The provider of interactive gaming, gambling and mobile services says it will save a significant amount of money by moving the office. The anticipated cost for restructuring has been estimated by NetPlay TV as 625,000 euros.
Martin Higginson, chairman and chief executive of NetPlay TV, said in a prepared statement the move makes “obvious sense.”
“With the key members of the bingo team relocated in the UK, we will be able to work much more closely together as a team allowing us to continue growing the business with the speed and dexterity we demand,” he said.
NEW SPONSORSHIP Stefan Mattsson, a Swedish poker champion, has signed a sponsorship contract with Purple Lounge, an I-poker operator.
Mr. Mattsson, who won second place at the World Poker Tour in Barcelona, will represent Purple Lounge at the European Poker Tour in September along with other international poker events.
Matt Larter of Purple Lounge says the sponsorship has helped the company develop a “deeper relationship” with Mr. Mattsson.
“I predict a great future for him, and I am convinced that he is the next Scandinavian superstar of poker,” he said in a prepared statement. “He is the perfect ambassador for our brand.”
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