Online gambling software provider, Playtech, is contemplating a mass buyout of its European rivals to bolster market presence and increase the number of poker and casino online players on its network.
The UK-listed company has an extensive portfolio of gambling websites worldwide offering online games such as poker, blackjack, and roulette.
Playtech’s Vice Chairman,Avigur Zmora, has confirmed the plans, ‘We are looking for the opportunity and when the opportunity is there we usually move very quickly. We think that this is the right time to prepare the company to be almost the only alternative out there.”
Companies that may be considered for a takeover bid by Playtech include Swedish firm’s Boss and Net Entertainment.
Antigua and Barbuda confident to be placed on the UK’s white list
Antigua and Barbuda is currently under consideration from the UK Department of Culture, Media and Sport and believes it will receive approval to be placed on the list of accepted jurisdictions from where operators can advertise into the UK.
Errol Cort, minister for finance and the economy, said: “Antigua and Barbuda’s application will receive approval in due course given that Antigua and Barbuda’s regulatory and licensing objectives are parallel to the United Kingdom’s intended remote gaming regulatory regime which promotes the prevention of underage gaming, protection of the vulnerable, fairness in all games and the combating of illicit activities and financial crimes.” Kaye McDonald, director of gaming, said: “The application process provides an opportunity for governments and regulators to work collectively to continuously improve the regulatory environment associated with remote gaming.”
In response to not being placed on the UK white list, the Dutch Antilles government issued a statement saying: “The remaining questions about the scope and scale of regulatory presence which were raised by the UK are all resolved with the passing and implementation of new legislation here, of which the UK has seen an advanced draft.” The new legislation is expected to be passed by the domicile’s Council of Ministers by December 2007, the timeline communicated to the DCMS. The jurisdiction said that according to the Togel Hongkong communication it has received from the UK authorities, it was confident the new regulation would enable it to be placed on the white list.
UK Gambling Advertising Code Released
The new voluntary advertising code agreed by the UK’s gambling industry has been released and includes an evening watershed on TV advertising and a guarantee to end advertising on children’s replica football shirts.
Under the new agreement, adverts will also carry gambleaware banners akin to the drinkaware warnings on alcohol related advertising.
Twelve industry bodies, including the Association of British Bookmakers (ABB), the Bingo Association and the British Casino Association (BCA), decided on the new codes after reported pressure from new Culture Secretary James Purnell.
Exceptions to the 9pm advertising watershed include ads for the National Lottery and bingo, which have always been able to advertise on TV, and betting around televised sporting events such as Premiership and English International games.…
