Tab Retail Network Receives $50 Million Boost
Australia-based operator Tabcorp on Dec. 19 announced that it would invest an estimated $50 million over five years to strengthen its New South Wales (NSW) Tab retail network. The company has, however, made plans to reduce the number of Tab outlets in NSW by up to 20 percent to make the network more sustainable. The company said its investment program will involve refurbishing certain of its 2,100 outlets and improving services for bettors via the provision of self-service terminals and big screen televisions for racing viewing.
Re-Launched
U.K.-based bookmaker Totesport on Dec. 19 announced the launch of its revamped Web portal, powered by Orbis gaming technology.
UK Officials Investigate Legality of Premier League Shirt Sponsorship Deals
Premier League clubs may risk losing lucrative shirt sponsorship deals with gambling companies under an investigation into the legality of the partnerships, reported Reuters this month. The news source quoted The Guardian as saying that British MPs were worried clubs had bypassed laws intended to protect children. U.K. gambling law prohibits targeting children with advertising and under the new Gambling Act, set to become law next September, the fines will be increased. The report said it is unclear whether the rules apply to shirt sponsorship, although clubs rely heavily on sales of replica jerseys, many of which are worn by children. Sports minister Richard was quoted in The Guardian as saying: "There are some concerns about the use of sponsorship in sport, and football clubs in particular, and the Gambling Commission will be consulting on this issue in the New Year with my full support." The Premier League said it was aware of the government's concerns and is considering submissions on behalf of its clubs.
CA Notches Revenue Deal with Betfair
Cricket Australia on Dec. 13 announced an agreement with betting exchange Betfair to share revenues generated from wagering on cricket matches. The move follows others made by Betfair with the Australian Football League (AFL) and the PGA Australasian Tour. The agreement stipulates that sporting bodies will receive a share of any Betfair profits generated from bets on cricket matches, AFL games or golf tournaments.
Gala Coral Partners with Everton FC
U.K.-based gaming group Gala Coral on Dec. 6 announced an agreement with Everton FC to become the Premiere League club's official partner. Under terms of the agreement, visitors to Everton's Web site will have access to a club-dedicated betting site. The deal expires at the conclusion of the 2006/07 season.
GIG Teams up with Sportingbet for Joint Launch
Interactive Systems Worldwide subsidiary Global Interactive Gaming (GIG) on Dec. 5 announced the launch of enhanced in-run live betting products in conjunction with Sportingbet. GIG will provide software and services which allow Sportingbet to offer play-by-play betting across different sporting events.
B2B Partners with 3Bwin
Sweden-based B2B Poker--a 24h Poker network company--announced on Dec. 5 that it had signed an agreement with online sports book 3Bwin. The B2B-3Bwin integration is scheduled to begin "shortly," and online poker will be launched in 2007 to 3Bwin's network of 600,000 "gaming-interested Europeans," B2B said in a prepared statement.