Issue N25, 2008

June 19, 2008

Parlay 5 Bingo Software Unveiled

Parlay Entertainment, undoubtedly the world leader in online bingo solutions, has proudly unveiled its latest software upgrade: Parlay 5. The software combines everything that bingo site operators are looking for in a package – a strong leaning to universalization and more options for site managers to customize their brands in an ever-tightening market.

“The foundation of Parlay 5 is our enhanced internationalisation features," said Perry Malone, Chief Technology Officer for Parlay. "Clearly there is strong demand for software that simplifies the process of configuring bingo games, jackpots and chat rooms using multiple languages and currencies."

"In this competitive environment, we know online bingo sites must be able to differentiate themselves from each other more than ever before," he continued. "Parlay 5 is revolutionary because it makes it easy for sites to develop a unique personality that is miles apart from the competition."

The new software was unveiled at the third annual Online Bingo Summit that took place at the Royal Garden Kensington Hotel in London on June 17th and 18th of which Parlay Entertainment was the platinum sponsor. Parlay Entertainment was the first company in the world to develop a commercial internet bingo product and powers scores of sites on the internet with its software solutions.

Playtech Makes Acquisition Plans

World leading software company, Playtech has announced that will be expanding its successful operations even further by creating an acquisitions fund. The company will place 21.6 million new shares on the London Stock Exchange on June 23rd in the hope of raising £112 million and the shares will be sold at 520 pence each. Playtech share prices dipped slightly because of the news this week.

The formation of an acquisitions fund comes in the wake of several worthy potential dealings that Playtech has identified in the market lately.

Chief Executive Officer of Playtech Limited, Mor Weizer, said: "Playtech made strong progress in 2007 with all key performance indicators exceeding targets. This progress has continued into 2008 with the Company registering impressive month on month revenue growth”.  

"This performance has put the Group in an ideal position to continue its growth strategy both organically and by acquisition. We have demonstrated our ability to leverage acquisitions and believe this Placing will provide the Group with an extremely strong balance sheet that will allow it to take advantage of further opportunities that the current market offers."

New Cryptologic Online Casino Site to Launch

Betjacks, the Irish-based gambling company that has contributed so much to the country’s internet betting industry, has announced plans to launch its latest online casino offering, Betjacks.com in the fall. In addition, the company said that the new site would be powered by industry leading software company, Cryptologic. The deal was signed with Cryptologic’s online gaming subsidiary, Wagerlogic.

“Today's announcement reflects CryptoLogic's strategy to take our Internet casino and poker products to new people and new places," said Brian Hadfield, CryptoLogic's President and Chief Executive Officer. "CryptoLogic and Betjacks will work together to develop an exciting new site that provides a superior entertainment experience to players around the world."

The new site will feature Cryptologic’s award winning software, in both downloadable and non-downloadable versions.

Brian Nesbit, who helped form Betjacks in 2006 with fellow Communications veteran, Eamon Garland, and who now serves as the company’s Managing Director, said: "As we set out to launch our new Internet gaming site, we wanted a trusted, respected partner who shared our vision of integrity and innovation. CryptoLogic's commitment to the quality of the player experience - and its reputation for transparency and regulatory leadership - are critical benefits as we take our brand online."

Clover Rollover Slot Game Attracts Thousands

One of the most popular progressive slot machines in the world, Clover Rollover, is attracting thousands of new slots players each month as its jackpot continues to rise at an incredible £10,000 a day. The UK betting group Vernons announced that it has experienced a tenfold increase in the number of online slot players to its site in the past six month, and – as a result – the Clover Rollover jackpot is nearly £700,000… and climbing!

"We've been overwhelmed by the massive surge in online slot machine players over the last few months,” said Martin Williams, e-Gaming Manager for Vernons.co.uk, “and can only see the phenomenon and jackpots growing bigger this summer. It's surprising that our current jackpot of over £600,000 has not been won yet."

Vernons was recently purchased by Sportech Plc., which covers almost the entire UK football betting market. However, besides sports betting, UK players are also increasing their interest in the online casino, poker and bingo market. According to Vernons, online slot machines are the latest ‘wave’ to hit the gambling market in the United Kingdom and the jackpot at its casino site, which increased by £300,000 in just under a month, is living proof of this!