Issue N12, 2010
March 24, 2010
Bwin Signs Dragonfish to Supply Casino Software
The Italian arm of leading gambling group, bwin, has singed a multi year deal with Dragonfish to supply it with casino games. Bwin Italia signed the deal with 888 Holding’s successful business-to-business subsidiary which will take both groups further into the growing Italian gaming market. The deal calls for the delivery of in house and third party games, including cards and table games, slots and video poker.
The new platform will use Bwin Italia’s own infrastructure that will be merged with Dragonfish’s games, lobby and interface. “The synergy of bwin’s brand presence and our premium casino offering provides a potent combination, and is an ideal way to enter the growing Italian market,” said Gabi Campos of Bwin. “Signing an agreement with such internationally renowned operators shows the quality of the Dragonfish offering and our capability to provide the ideal platform from which to launch a casino offering in newly regulated markets.”
“We have chosen Dragonfish as our online casino technology provider so that we can ensure a premium gaming experience for our customers,” said Paolo di Feo of Bwin. “We believe 888 is a top brand and Dragonfish will be able to capitalise on the experience they have and help us in offering our clients a very strong and secure entertainment line-up.”
New eGaming Technology Park Planned in Guernsey
A new technology park, planned to be launched in 2011 to the tune of £250 million, will be built on the Channel Isle of Geurnsey to service the offshore egaming industry. The park will position Guernsey and Alderney to stand at the forefront of the online gaming industry and meet demand for top technical service for many years to come.
“It is a wonderful development for Alderney and Guernsey and a substantial addition to the islands’ existing technical resources. Alderney has developed an innovative licensing package which is offering increased value to potential businesses who chose to register in the island,” said Robin Le Prevost, the director of ecommerce development for Alderney. “‘The technology park further enhances our excellent technical infrastructure and cements our reputation as a world leader in e-gaming. We recognize this as a fantastic investment in facilities that will allow sustainable, low-impact industry in the islands to flourish.”
Developed by the Long Port group, the park will be situated on a 16.5 horticultural site and work is due to begin on it soon. “Our power supplies to serve this infrastructure will be low CO2 and renewable with presently over 50% being provided by nuclear power and 5% renewable,” said Charles Billson of Long Port We expect the renewable element to increase dramatically over the coming years with the advent of tidal power in Alderney and Guernsey, as these technologies mature.”
Betsson Sportsbetting Site Launches World Cup Promotion
Leading international facing gambling group, Betsson is giving away something that many people are dreaming to get their hands on – a pair of tickets to see the World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa. The site has launched a fantastic Countdown to Cape Town promotion that puts players in line to win this prize, as well as cash bonuses along the way. All players need to do is register with the site (or sign in if they are existing members) and start wagering on their favorite sports. Every €5 spent on a combi bet will earn the player a ticket into the draw to win tickets to the World Cup.
Top prize is a pair of return tickets to South Africa, including a luxury stay in Cape Town and travel to Soccer City in Johannesburg to watch the World Cup Final. In addition, Betsson is running weekly draws where 30 players can win cash prizes ranging from €10 free bets to €350 in cash.
888 Profits Drop
888 Casino Holdings, the giant gambling operation which trades on the London Stock Exchange, reported that its profits for the 2009 fiscal year have dropped. The figures before tax saw 888’s profits plunge from $40.24 million a year earlier to $27.57 million in 2009. Total revenues dropped from $256.86 million to $246.70 million. The group put the figures down to an economic downturn and currency movements, and remained confident of its prospects in the year ahead.
Revenues from 888’s casino and poker divisions dropped considerably. Casino plunged from $133.1 million to $118.7 million, while poker did even worse, dropping from $71.6 million to $51.6 million. The only area that showed a profit was 888’s stand alone B2B group, Dragonfish, which saw its revenues grow by a third to $51.3 million. Looking to the new year, 888 said that it had started 2010 off well, with average daily revenues increasing slightly. “Given our strong operational and financial platform we remain confident of our prospects for the year ahead,” said the Chief Executive Operator of 888, Gigi Levy.