Issue N23, 2010

June 9, 2010

888 Announces Departure of Dragonfish CEO

888 Holdings has been mentioned often in the news lately, and not always for all the right reasons. The London trading gambling group posted disappointing financial results in the last quarter, showing only that its recently formed business to business division, Dragonfish, was performing exceptionally well. In most other divisions, 888 showed financial losses. It was for this reason that the news of the departure of Dragonfish’s Chief Executive Officer, Gabi Campos, may strike another blow to the group.

Since he joined 888 in 2007, Campos has held various senior roles, becoming CEO of Dragonfish when it was formed. As head of the newly formed company, Campos took the group to dizzying heights, signing top notch contracts with some of the biggest names in the industry and growing revenues of up to $51 million last year. No real reason was given for Campos’ departure from the group, except to say that he was leaving to “pursue new challenges”. It remains to be seen who will be able to fill his shoes, but in the meantime, the Chief Executive Officer of 888, Gigi Levy, said that he would take over his responsibilities. “We would like to thank Gabi for his contributions,” noted Levy. “A replacement will be announced in due course, and 888 looks forward to further growth from Dragonfish in the future.”

Irish Government Examines Changes in Gambling Laws

The findings of a major review of Ireland’s gambling industry will be announced very soon, and analysts are curious regarding what the future brings for the Emerald Isle. Gambling analysts estimate that becoming a leading online gambling licensing jurisdiction could generate an industry worth €2.2 billion. In addition, up to 8,000 new jobs could be created for the country’s residents.

A review of the current 1956 Gaming and Lotteries Act was initiated by the Irish Minister of Justice last month, taking into account the fact that the industry has changed at an incredible pace, especially with the introduction of online gambling. Three considerations would form the basis for any change, said the minister, including the protection of young and vulnerable people, the fact that gambling in Ireland remains fair and open and that the industry is free of crime.

“This review will provide government with options for a new and comprehensive legal and organizational framework governing the gambling architecture in the state, including remote gambling,” said a government spokesman. “Three important considerations, which are the hallmark of most well regulated gambling codes, inform the review.”

“Following the settling of policy in relation to a new gambling architecture for the state, legislative proposals will be published in the normal course,” he added.

New Slot Games at InterCasino

Nobody can deny that the greatest sporting event is happening this month in South Africa in the form of the FIFA World Cup. One of the industry’s most respected online casinos has decided to get players right into the mood of the tournament with the release of two brand new slot games to complement its already fantastic arsenal. Inter Casino, which has been entertaining gamblers since 1996, introduced Football Frenzy and Striker Fortune to its players, and these games will certainly make an impact on the way casino players enjoy the World Cup.

As can be expected, both games are soccer themed. Football Frenzy boasts 25 lines of nonstop entertainment, with superior symbols and the chance for players to choose their favorite team and lead them to victory. Striker Fortune claims to take the concept of online slots to an entire new level, and promises superb bonus features, 500:1 payouts and even bragging rights! Look out for the lucrative welcome bonus for new players at Inter Casino.

Microgaming to Power New Online Bingo Site

A brand new online bingo site will be launched later this month, and will work off the powerful Microgaming software platform. The gambling giant said that Butlers Bingo will launch in the United Kingdom and Ireland using its customizable bingo software and side games that have become famous in the industry for keeping players hugely entertained. The new site will be licensed in Malta.

“Microgaming is always looking for new opportunities, and Butlers Bingo’s new market offering matches our innovative approach to bingo operations,” said the Head of Bingo at Microgaming, Neill Whyte. “With Microgaming, Butlers Bingo will be using the best in market software capability, delivered at an unrivalled speed; very much in keeping with the best butler service.”

The founder of Butlers Bingo, David Butler added: “We are delighted to work with Microgaming as it is such an established gaming software provider. For us, the quality of software, casino in bingo side game choice, flexibility in offering, and the ability for bespoke development, made Microgaming an obvious choice.”