Issue N2, 2013
January 9, 2013
Betdaq Acquisition Talks Confirmed by Ladbrokes
Ladbrokes, the UK gambling giant, confirmed this week that it is involved in talks to take over the Irish betting exchange, Betdaq. Those close to the parties say that Ladbrokes will probably pay GBP 30 million to purchase the platform which will complement its fixed odds services. “[We] enjoy a close commercial co-operation with Betdaq and can confirm discussions regarding a potential future acquisition,” said the Ladbrokes. “Negotiations are on-going, though at this stage there is no certainty that an agreement will be reached."
Betdaq, which was established by the Irish tycoon, Dermot Desmond 13 years ago to rival the world’s largest betting exchange, Betfair, struggled to develop a name for itself in the industry and, as a result, Betfair holds 90% of the market share at present.
In the meantime, as can be seen, Ladbrokes is keeping expectations low, considering its track record in acquisition attempts over the past few years. The group has tried to purchase 888 Holdings and Sportingbet without success, and analysts are not sure that the Betdaq deal will go through either. None of the groups involved have confirmed the price being discussed, although it is expected that one of the parties will make an announcement in the coming days.
Australian Gamblers Enjoy Great Mansion Casino Promotions
While the rest of the world is under snow and sleet, Australians are enjoying a long lazy summer. To celebrate the warm weather, the Playtech powered Mansion Casino has launched a great VIP program for its players Down Under in a bid to treat them “like royalty”. Players to the site can deposit and withdraw more cash than normal and at a faster rate so that they really feel the action at this online casino. VIP players at Mansion Casino will also be able to take part in exclusive promotions and events.
“In addition to these benefits, players will receive outstanding service and treatment from the always-available customer support team at Mansion Casino Australia,” said Mansion Casino Australian in a statement issued this week. “This is an important mission of the Australian online casino; to treat its VIP club members like royalty. If players have any questions about how to make a deposit or how to play a specific game of online poker or any other game on the site, they are responded to as soon as possible. Any questions, any time; the high quality of VIP service at Mansion Casino Australia never wavers.”
Net Entertainment Confirms 888 Holdings Deal
Net Entertainment, the Swedish software developer, has announced that it has entered into a games deal with the UK listed group, 888 Holdings. According to the announcement by the Stockholm listed group, it will offer its games to 888’s online casino and bingo platforms, and will also make them available to the newly opened Italian market, where 888 has a strong foothold.
The Chief Executive Officer of Net Entertainment, Per Eriksson said about the latest deal signed between the two giant gambling entities: “I am very excited that 888 has selected Net Entertainment as supplier for a wide range of the company’s best-in-class casino games to be distributed over its casino, bingo and regulatory networks.”
“888 is one of the largest operators in the world and this agreement further proves the confidence and trust that exists in Net Entertainment’s operational and technical leadership,” added Eriksson. “Both parties are now working very close together to secure a successful integration and planning for commercial launch.”
Net Entertainment is well known in the industry for its innovative products and games, including the brand new Elements: The Awakening slot game, as well as Gonzo’s Quest slot.
Big Bingo Jackpot Hit at Ladbrokes
Ladbrokes Bingo, the popular online bingo room, has reported that a lucky grandmother from Yorkshire won two superb jackpots at the site over the holiday period. The unidentified player first won GBP 31,000 while playing her favorite bingo games at the site around Christmas time and felt that things could not get any better. However, just a few days later, she tried her luck on the Bouncing Balls Bingo game at Ladbrokes Bingo when she saw eight jackpot symbols light up and she realized that she had won the progressive jackpot. While she initially thought that she had won another GBP 500, the player soon realized that she had actually won GBP 250,000!
“I had already had an amazing run and was chuffed to pieces," recalled the amazed double winner. "I then saw the £500 and was over the moon but slowly it dawned on me that I may have landed the big jackpot. It must have only been seconds in real time but it felt like hours until it was confirmed. I've barely slept since.”
The UK grandmother plans to buy a house and possibly take a much needed holiday after all the action at Ladbrokes Bingo.