Merger Madness -- The Times reported today that U.K.-based casino operator Stanley Leisure has publicized the reception of a "proposal concerning a possible offer," with a "further announcement being made in due course." The announcement, made in response to a marked increase in Stanley's share price, followed less than a week after London Clubs International (LCI) withdrew from merger talks with Stanley and subsequently disclosed a £280 million (US $533 million) bid from American gaming group Harrah's. The Times speculates that Malaysian gaming group Genting is most likely behind the offer, as it has a 20 percent holding in the company, although Ladbrokes, Australian gaming company Tabcorp, and Greek lotto and gaming operator OPAP have been mentioned as possible suitors. Analysts also suggest that Genting could be in the hunt for LCI. As LCI’s largest shareholder (29.7 percent), Genting has yet to reveal whether it intends to accept the bid from Harrah's. One analyst noted: "There's all to play for and it's far from clear how this one will turn out. Genting could try to buy both companies but equally Harrah's could make a bid for Stanley."
Addiction Research -- Germany-based gaming company FLUXX AG (FXG) has announced it will commission a study in September to assess the risks of addiction as they relate to playing lotteries. FXG claims that the study comes in response to the German Lottery and Pools Organization's (DLTB) contention of an Aug. 28 ruling by the Federal Competition Authority, which states that the DLTB may not boycott over-the-counter sales by commercial agents in supermarkets and filling stations. On the one hand, the DLTB contends that selling lottery tickets in this fashion increases the risk of addiction. On the other, FXG contends the DLTB has deliberately ignored studies which suggest that slot machine games--not lotteries--are more likely to encourage addiction and its resultant issues. FXG management board member Mathias Dahms said the DLTB, by contradicting existent evidence, ". . . is trying to defend its monopoly with all manner of baffling means." Dahms also cited additional studies, compiled outside of Germany, which indicate that lotteries show little potential to foster addiction. "Only 0.2 to 0.4 percent of gaming addicts stated that lottery was the principal cause of their addiction," he said. "After 50 years of public draws of lottery numbers, it defies any scientific basis for the lottery companies now to be advancing the argument of addiction risks to justify their monopoly position."
Pinnacle Poker -- Las Vegas From Home.com (LVFH) Entertainment Inc. announced today that its subsidiary, Action Poker Gaming Inc. (APG), has entered into a licensing agreement with sports wagering group Pinnacle Sports Worldwide. The agreement designates APG as the sole software provider for PinnaclePoker.com, with its stand-alone poker software set to power the site. LVFH expects Pinnacle's poker site to launch in late 2006.
From BHB to Betfair -- Former British Horseracing Board CEO Greg Nichols has joined U.K.-based betting exchange Betfair to become its new managing director (Sporting Affairs). "I'll be working with sporting regulators and governing bodies around the world to highlight the opportunities Betfair offers," Nichols said.
What the Finns Are Playing -- Finnish national betting agency Veikkaus reported that, during the first half of 2006, Finns spent an estimated 125 euro per capita on its selection of games. Between January and June, lotto retained its long-standing position at the top of the list, drawing an average of 40 euro per capita. Keno ranked second, drawing roughly 24 euro per capita, with fixed odds betting rounding out the top three, drawing 13 euro per capita.
Mobile Launch -- Dutch entrepreneur Leo Dijkgraaf last week witnessed the launch of his latest venture. Tommy telecom (TT), a non-profit mobile service, a virtual mobile operator based in the Netherlands, with its service set to target approximately 5 million patrons who donate to charities or lotteries that fund non-profit projects. TT subscribers will pay 5 euro per month, with calls to land lines or other mobile networks set at 0.15 euro per minute, text-messages at 0.05 euro each. Calls among TT subscribers are free.
One Less 888 Jersey -- Citing religious reasons, Sevilla Football Club player Frederic Kanoute has refused to wear the club's jersey, which this year features an 888 sponsorship logo. Kanoute has insisted he will don a Sevilla jersey --as long as it doesn't include references to gambling or alcoholic drinks. "[I am] very pleased that Sevilla seem to understand my position, and are not obliging me to wear this shirt," Kanoute said.