888.com acquires Wink Bingo - 23rd December 2009
888 is looking to strengthen its position in the UK market and in August was outbid by rival PartyGaming for Cashcade, another bingo company.
The deal will cost £11m upfront with the rest tied to profits in the period to March 2011. Wink Bingo was launched less than two years ago but already has 60,000 players, making it one of the most popular internet bingo sites.
Gigi Levy, chief executive of 888, says: “This is a lucrative deal, we think it’s a very reasonable price. Despite what some people think, there is a lot of room for growth in online bingo; we’re expecting 20 to 25% growth next year.”
In the 11 months to November 30, Wink Bingo had revenues of £15m and profit before tax of £1.3m.
Levy adds: “Online gaming is traditionally very male-orientated, but bingo companies like Wink have been able to attract a lot of women. It is also a very social style of gaming – people really get to know each other online.”
In November, 888 announced it would be seeking a licence from France in 2010 when the government is expected to pass legislation allowing online gambling.
888.com’s fomer vice president of brand marketing Matt Robinson joined PartyGaming in a new role as head of UK marketing operations in July.
Grey recently resigned its ad account with the company.
The company recently launched a TV and 96 sheet ad campaign showing Trigger Happy TV star Dom Joly pull on a snorkel and mask to avoid drowning in money as he lands the prize whilst playing on his laptop. It also projected its logo on the Houses of Parliament.
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Sunday, December 27, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Shane Warne In Las Vegas Representing 888 Poker At The Five Diamond Poker Classic
Cricket legend Shane Warne began his first day of play today representing 888 Poker in day one of the Doyle Brunson Five Diamond World Poker Classic tournament in Las Vegas.
Held at the famous Bellagio Casino from 14 to 19 December, the US$15,000 buy-in tournament is famous for attracting high rollers, big-name poker professionals and celebrities to compete for a total prize pool expected to be as high as US$10 million.
While the tournament epitomises poker sport, skill and glamour, Warne says it is the fun side of poker that draws him to it.
“Anyone can play. You can be the CEO of a company, a car salesman or a sportsman and you can sit around a table and play. That’s one of the fun things about poker, it’s a really accessible sport,” Warne said prior to the tournament.
“Vegas is pretty amazing. The Five Diamond is a massive tournament with the best players in the world, so I am really excited about it and I want to play well. If I could make the finals I would be more than happy.”
Spin king Warne has proven his all-round sporting expertise since making a seamless and successful transition from cricket to poker in recent years, partnering with 888 Poker, a brand under online entertainment expert group 888.com.
“I've been involved with 888 for a few years now, it’s been great fun,” Warne said.
“888 Poker has a great site and it is easy to work. It is great to be captain of 888’s poker team - I will try to fly the flag for 888, hopefully I will continue to do that well.”
Warne will also be representing 888 Poker at the internationally renowned and celebrity-studded Aussie Millions (Australian Poker Championship) held at Melbourne Crown Casino from 14 to 31 January 2010.
You can follow Warne's professional poker career and give him your message of support through his blog at: www.shanewarne.com or on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/warne888.
Further information about 888 and 888 Poker can be found at: www.888.com.
The Five Diamond World Poker Classic is being held from 27 November to 19 December 2009: www.bellagio.com
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Cricket legend Shane Warne began his first day of play today representing 888 Poker in day one of the Doyle Brunson Five Diamond World Poker Classic tournament in Las Vegas.
Held at the famous Bellagio Casino from 14 to 19 December, the US$15,000 buy-in tournament is famous for attracting high rollers, big-name poker professionals and celebrities to compete for a total prize pool expected to be as high as US$10 million.
While the tournament epitomises poker sport, skill and glamour, Warne says it is the fun side of poker that draws him to it.
“Anyone can play. You can be the CEO of a company, a car salesman or a sportsman and you can sit around a table and play. That’s one of the fun things about poker, it’s a really accessible sport,” Warne said prior to the tournament.
“Vegas is pretty amazing. The Five Diamond is a massive tournament with the best players in the world, so I am really excited about it and I want to play well. If I could make the finals I would be more than happy.”
Spin king Warne has proven his all-round sporting expertise since making a seamless and successful transition from cricket to poker in recent years, partnering with 888 Poker, a brand under online entertainment expert group 888.com.
“I've been involved with 888 for a few years now, it’s been great fun,” Warne said.
“888 Poker has a great site and it is easy to work. It is great to be captain of 888’s poker team - I will try to fly the flag for 888, hopefully I will continue to do that well.”
Warne will also be representing 888 Poker at the internationally renowned and celebrity-studded Aussie Millions (Australian Poker Championship) held at Melbourne Crown Casino from 14 to 31 January 2010.
You can follow Warne's professional poker career and give him your message of support through his blog at: www.shanewarne.com or on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/warne888.
Further information about 888 and 888 Poker can be found at: www.888.com.
The Five Diamond World Poker Classic is being held from 27 November to 19 December 2009: www.bellagio.com
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Saturday, September 12, 2009
Harrah’s Interactive Signs Development Deal With 888 Holdings, by Earl Burton - Poker News Daily - 12th September 2009
In a surprise announcement on Friday, Harrah’s Interactive Entertainment, the branch of the company created earlier this year for the eventual foray of the longtime land-based casino powerhouse into the online gaming world, stated that they had entered into a long term deal with Dragonfish, a private business to business enterprise under the 888 Holdings PLC banner.
Earlier this year, Harrah’s - sensing the need to be ready when American laws, particularly the UIGEA, are either changed or overturned - created a branch of their company called Harrah’s Interactive Entertainment. Solidifying this organization, Harrah’s hired one of the most notable names in the online gaming world, former PartyGaming Chief Executive Officer Mitch Garber, to assume the same position with Harrah’s Interactive. With the signing of the deal with Dragonfish, Harrah’s will soon have everything in place for when the legal situation is cleared up in the United States.
The surprise deal will cover every aspect that Garber and Harrah’s Interactive need to have in place for an entry into the online gaming arena. The long term deal with Dragonfish covers the creation of an online poker and casino software, a system that will provide for e-payments, Customer Relations Management software and VIP services. There is no firm date for the debut of a Harrah’s related online gaming portal but, when it does come to fruition, there are two very popular and known commodities that will be the face of Harrah’s Interactive Entertainment - the World Series of Poker and Caesars Casino.
“This is a ground breaking deal for 888 and demonstrates our ability to provide real value to globally renowned, land-based casinos and their leading brands,” Gigi Levy, the Chief Executive Officer of 888, stated during the announcement of the deal. “We have the structure in place to realize our B2B division’s full potential over the next eighteen months and beyond and today’s announcement of our partnership with an industry giant is further vindication of this strategy.”
Garber was equally enthusiastic about the new deal with Dragonfish, adding, “As we develop and roll out our interactive strategy, we have chosen to work with 888, primarily for their world-class technology, scalability, and a strong commitment to compliance and responsible gaming.” As previously stated, there is no further details as to when these Harrah’s branded commodities will enter into the online gaming world.
The announced deal is a windfall for 888 Holdings as they recently had less than stellar news regarding their bottom line. In a report earlier this week here on Poker News Daily, it was revealed that 888 Holdings has seen significant declines in their earnings and revenues for both their online casino and poker room from 2008 to 2009. In their mid-year report to shareholders of the company, 888 saw a 13% decrease in overall revenue, down to $117.9 million midway from 2009 compared to $135.4 million for the same period in 2008. Casino revenues were down 20%, from $69.8 million last year to $55.9 this year, but it was their flagship poker room, 888 Pacific Poker, that saw the biggest drop in numbers. The online poker room saw revenue fall a full 35% in 2009, dropping from $40.2 million in 2008 to just $26.2 million in the period from January to June of this year.
While these numbers may appear bleak for 888, the surprise of the report was the exceptional performance of Dragonfish, which was one of the only parts of the company on the 888 dockets that was in the black. The company, just created earlier this year, signed several important deals that allowed 888 Holdings to report a 42% increase in business to business dealings, from $17 million in 2008 to $24.3 million in the first half of 2009. The signing of the deal between Dragonfish and Harrah’s Interactive Entertainment is a sizeable coup for 888 Holdings and should help not only Dragonfish but also 888 Holdings’ bottom line tremendously. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
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In a surprise announcement on Friday, Harrah’s Interactive Entertainment, the branch of the company created earlier this year for the eventual foray of the longtime land-based casino powerhouse into the online gaming world, stated that they had entered into a long term deal with Dragonfish, a private business to business enterprise under the 888 Holdings PLC banner.
Earlier this year, Harrah’s - sensing the need to be ready when American laws, particularly the UIGEA, are either changed or overturned - created a branch of their company called Harrah’s Interactive Entertainment. Solidifying this organization, Harrah’s hired one of the most notable names in the online gaming world, former PartyGaming Chief Executive Officer Mitch Garber, to assume the same position with Harrah’s Interactive. With the signing of the deal with Dragonfish, Harrah’s will soon have everything in place for when the legal situation is cleared up in the United States.
The surprise deal will cover every aspect that Garber and Harrah’s Interactive need to have in place for an entry into the online gaming arena. The long term deal with Dragonfish covers the creation of an online poker and casino software, a system that will provide for e-payments, Customer Relations Management software and VIP services. There is no firm date for the debut of a Harrah’s related online gaming portal but, when it does come to fruition, there are two very popular and known commodities that will be the face of Harrah’s Interactive Entertainment - the World Series of Poker and Caesars Casino.
“This is a ground breaking deal for 888 and demonstrates our ability to provide real value to globally renowned, land-based casinos and their leading brands,” Gigi Levy, the Chief Executive Officer of 888, stated during the announcement of the deal. “We have the structure in place to realize our B2B division’s full potential over the next eighteen months and beyond and today’s announcement of our partnership with an industry giant is further vindication of this strategy.”
Garber was equally enthusiastic about the new deal with Dragonfish, adding, “As we develop and roll out our interactive strategy, we have chosen to work with 888, primarily for their world-class technology, scalability, and a strong commitment to compliance and responsible gaming.” As previously stated, there is no further details as to when these Harrah’s branded commodities will enter into the online gaming world.
The announced deal is a windfall for 888 Holdings as they recently had less than stellar news regarding their bottom line. In a report earlier this week here on Poker News Daily, it was revealed that 888 Holdings has seen significant declines in their earnings and revenues for both their online casino and poker room from 2008 to 2009. In their mid-year report to shareholders of the company, 888 saw a 13% decrease in overall revenue, down to $117.9 million midway from 2009 compared to $135.4 million for the same period in 2008. Casino revenues were down 20%, from $69.8 million last year to $55.9 this year, but it was their flagship poker room, 888 Pacific Poker, that saw the biggest drop in numbers. The online poker room saw revenue fall a full 35% in 2009, dropping from $40.2 million in 2008 to just $26.2 million in the period from January to June of this year.
While these numbers may appear bleak for 888, the surprise of the report was the exceptional performance of Dragonfish, which was one of the only parts of the company on the 888 dockets that was in the black. The company, just created earlier this year, signed several important deals that allowed 888 Holdings to report a 42% increase in business to business dealings, from $17 million in 2008 to $24.3 million in the first half of 2009. The signing of the deal between Dragonfish and Harrah’s Interactive Entertainment is a sizeable coup for 888 Holdings and should help not only Dragonfish but also 888 Holdings’ bottom line tremendously. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
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Sunday, August 23, 2009
888 Launch Their 'Choose Your Team' Campaign!
GIBRALTAR, Aug. 19 888sport is offering football fans the chance to take part in a special English Premier League, Scottish Premier League, Spanish La Liga, French Lique 1 and German Bundesliga promotion, to celebrate the start of the new football season across Europe.
The 'Choose Your Team' promotion gives football betting enthusiasts the chance
to win special prizes, free bets, their own team's replica football shirt and
also delivers a number of money back guarantees throughout the season.
To take part in 888sport's 'Choose Your Team' promotion, and to avail themselves
of all these great offers, football betting enthusiasts must either already have
an account with 888sport or register at 888sport.com and then simply choose
their team.
Not only will they win a free team football shirt of their choice, but new users
could even win money by backing their side, thanks to a 50 pounds Sterling free
bet offer! When the new customer creates their 888sport account and then places
a bet of at least 15 pounds, they will be given a 15 pounds free bet token. And
when they place more bets they qualify for even more tokens!*
The 'Choose Your Team' promotion began on August 13th and offers 888sport
members a guaranteed no-lose 10 pounds bet. All new 888sport clients have to do
is register with 888sport and then choose their team. If they place a bet of at
least 10 pounds with odds greater than 2.0 on their team (from the English
Premier League, Scottish Premier League, Spanish La Liga, French Lique 1 or
German Bundesliga) from August 13 to August 30, 2009 they get their money back
if their team loses, up to a maximum of 10 pounds.
The second part of the 888sport promotion enables both new and existing
customers to show their support for their team with a free 5 pounds bet on the
Champions League outright winner's market!
And also keep an eye out in September for our special Champions League home
theatre prize draw where 888sport will be giving away Champions League tickets
and a home cinema set up worth 1500 pounds.
For more information please contact Ed Nicholson on 0207 487 8682 or on 07767
480 274 or email at ed.nicholson@888holdings.com
*The 'Choose Your Team' New Member Offer Explained:
1. Simply open an account with 888sport and start betting
2. When you place a bet of at least 15 pounds, 888sport will then credit your
888sport account with a 15 pounds free bet token!
3. Place a further 9 bets of at least 15 pounds each, and you will qualify for
a further 'bet bonus' free bet token of 15 pounds.
4. Place a further 5 bets of at least 15 pounds each, and you will qualify for
a yet another 'bet bonus' free bet token of 20 pounds.
Editor's note:
About 888.com
888.com is the world's No. 1 online casino and poker room with several niche online gaming communities, including bingo and sports betting. They have in excess of 20 million members worldwide who enjoy an online gaming experience like no other.
Founded in 1996, 888.com offers two market leading products "Casino-on-Net," and
"Pacific Poker," both of which offer both real money play and free-play modes. 888.com operates under a license granted by the Government of Gibraltar for the
purposes of operating an online casino and poker room. 888.com has adopted the code of conduct of the Interactive Gaming Council (IGC), of which it is a Member.
888.com is operated by Cassava Enterprises (Gibraltar) Ltd. A registered company
incorporated and located in Gibraltar (company registration number 83961). The
company has other offices around the world and employs over 750 full time employees.
888.com has been the winner of several Best Online Casino awards, and the Best Online Operator of the Year eGaming Awards, as well as the player-voted Casino Operator of the Year award from Inside Edge Magazine.
SOURCE 888.com
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GIBRALTAR, Aug. 19 888sport is offering football fans the chance to take part in a special English Premier League, Scottish Premier League, Spanish La Liga, French Lique 1 and German Bundesliga promotion, to celebrate the start of the new football season across Europe.
The 'Choose Your Team' promotion gives football betting enthusiasts the chance
to win special prizes, free bets, their own team's replica football shirt and
also delivers a number of money back guarantees throughout the season.
To take part in 888sport's 'Choose Your Team' promotion, and to avail themselves
of all these great offers, football betting enthusiasts must either already have
an account with 888sport or register at 888sport.com and then simply choose
their team.
Not only will they win a free team football shirt of their choice, but new users
could even win money by backing their side, thanks to a 50 pounds Sterling free
bet offer! When the new customer creates their 888sport account and then places
a bet of at least 15 pounds, they will be given a 15 pounds free bet token. And
when they place more bets they qualify for even more tokens!*
The 'Choose Your Team' promotion began on August 13th and offers 888sport
members a guaranteed no-lose 10 pounds bet. All new 888sport clients have to do
is register with 888sport and then choose their team. If they place a bet of at
least 10 pounds with odds greater than 2.0 on their team (from the English
Premier League, Scottish Premier League, Spanish La Liga, French Lique 1 or
German Bundesliga) from August 13 to August 30, 2009 they get their money back
if their team loses, up to a maximum of 10 pounds.
The second part of the 888sport promotion enables both new and existing
customers to show their support for their team with a free 5 pounds bet on the
Champions League outright winner's market!
And also keep an eye out in September for our special Champions League home
theatre prize draw where 888sport will be giving away Champions League tickets
and a home cinema set up worth 1500 pounds.
For more information please contact Ed Nicholson on 0207 487 8682 or on 07767
480 274 or email at ed.nicholson@888holdings.com
*The 'Choose Your Team' New Member Offer Explained:
1. Simply open an account with 888sport and start betting
2. When you place a bet of at least 15 pounds, 888sport will then credit your
888sport account with a 15 pounds free bet token!
3. Place a further 9 bets of at least 15 pounds each, and you will qualify for
a further 'bet bonus' free bet token of 15 pounds.
4. Place a further 5 bets of at least 15 pounds each, and you will qualify for
a yet another 'bet bonus' free bet token of 20 pounds.
Editor's note:
About 888.com
888.com is the world's No. 1 online casino and poker room with several niche online gaming communities, including bingo and sports betting. They have in excess of 20 million members worldwide who enjoy an online gaming experience like no other.
Founded in 1996, 888.com offers two market leading products "Casino-on-Net," and
"Pacific Poker," both of which offer both real money play and free-play modes. 888.com operates under a license granted by the Government of Gibraltar for the
purposes of operating an online casino and poker room. 888.com has adopted the code of conduct of the Interactive Gaming Council (IGC), of which it is a Member.
888.com is operated by Cassava Enterprises (Gibraltar) Ltd. A registered company
incorporated and located in Gibraltar (company registration number 83961). The
company has other offices around the world and employs over 750 full time employees.
888.com has been the winner of several Best Online Casino awards, and the Best Online Operator of the Year eGaming Awards, as well as the player-voted Casino Operator of the Year award from Inside Edge Magazine.
SOURCE 888.com
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Wednesday, July 08, 2009
888 Launches 888Safe - Keeping Players Safe Online
IBRALTAR, July 6 /PRNewswire/ -- 888.com have announced the launch of 888Safe, a site which sets the industry standard for information about online safety and safe gaming.
888.com online poker and online casino players can use 888Safe to learn more about safe deposits, fair gaming, and data security.
888Safe gives online users the opportunity to access behind the scenes at 888, one of the world's most popular online gaming sites, as the company lays its cards on the table and explains what it is doing to help players feel, and be, safe online.
The Fair Gaming section of the 888Safe site explains how 888 are dedicated to ensuring that their gaming software is fair, and that the people that play on the site are also playing fairly. Put simply, it demonstrates there is no bias at 888.com.
888Responsible reveals how 888 have made it their mission to help players enjoy gambling as a hobby, preventing underage players from gaining access to their products, and helping those who may suffer from addiction.
The SafeDeposits and Data Security sections explain the workings of the 888 payment and account systems, giving users everything they need to ensure they are confident that their payments are being handled in a safe and secure manner, and empowering users to keep their accounts safe.
888.com's Senior Vice President Regions, Itai Pazner said: "At 888.com we believe that entertainment and safety come hand in hand. Our players' welfare has always, and always will, come first."
About 888.com
888.com is the World's No. 1 online casino. It has millions of members worldwide who enjoy its casino, bingo and poker rooms and receive an online gaming experience like no other. Founded in 1997 - 888.com this year celebrates its 12th anniversary - by pioneers of the online gaming industry, 888.com has developed a strong brand grown by cutting-edge marketing through offline sponsorships, poker events, online collaborations and continual upgrading of its flagship online products: 888.com Casino, Bingo and Poker. 888.com's goal is to provide quality entertainment to people who enjoy gambling, by giving them the opportunity to do so in a safe, fun, fair, regulated and secure environment. Its clients are its assets and it continually makes every effort to establish customer satisfaction by building relationships via service, honesty, advice and trust - with every member.
888.com operates under a license granted by the Government of Gibraltar for the purposes of operating an online casino and poker room. 888.com has adopted the code of conduct of the Interactive Gaming Council (IGC), of which it is a member. 888.com is operated by Cassava Enterprises (Gibraltar) Ltd. A registered company incorporated and located in Gibraltar (company registration number 83961). The company has other offices around the world and employs over 750 employees. 888.com can be used in 22 different languages in 176 countries worldwide. A leading force in the gaming industry since 1997, 888.com continually strives to be the No. 1 site. It was a founding member of eCOGRA, an independent standards authority for the industry committed to protecting online players around the world. It continually donates to UK and global charities and is working even harder on its CSR messages as well as promoting eCOGRA and providing an international framework of best operational and player practice requirements enforced through inspections, reviews and continuous monitoring by global audit companies. 888.com recently announced its first acquisition: the bingo business and assets from Globalcom. 888's bingo brand - 888ladies - has become a brand leader within a very short time, winning awards and delivering a strong community. Further to the new site offerings and following significant technological investment, 888.com has recently embarked into new on-land ventures, partnering with key brands to deliver specific propositions. Its first partnership, announced late 2006, is an innovative cooperation with Rileys snooker and pool clubs for which 888.com uses its online poker capabilities to power www.rileyspoker.com. 888.com has also recently launched mobile, in-flight, and in-hotel casinos where customers can access their favourite games, not only from their computers but also from mobile phones and televisions.
888.com has been named EGaming Awards Online Casino three times in the last four years, and won 2008 Best Online Operator Award, as well as being named Best Online Casino at the UK Gambling Awards, and Best Betting and Gaming and Operator of the Year at the 2008 Leisure Awards. 888.com also landed the 2008 Gambling Online Magazine Top Casino award and its internal magazine, Eight, won the prestigious Most Effective Membership title at the 2008 APA Effectiveness Awards. Offline activity sits side by side the online business, complementing 888.com's position as the leading authority in gaming entertainment. 888.com is the main sponsor of Sevilla FC and sponsors Shane Warne from the world of cricket.
For further information please contact Ed Nicholson on 0207 487 8682 or at ed.nicholson@888holdings.com
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IBRALTAR, July 6 /PRNewswire/ -- 888.com have announced the launch of 888Safe, a site which sets the industry standard for information about online safety and safe gaming.
888.com online poker and online casino players can use 888Safe to learn more about safe deposits, fair gaming, and data security.
888Safe gives online users the opportunity to access behind the scenes at 888, one of the world's most popular online gaming sites, as the company lays its cards on the table and explains what it is doing to help players feel, and be, safe online.
The Fair Gaming section of the 888Safe site explains how 888 are dedicated to ensuring that their gaming software is fair, and that the people that play on the site are also playing fairly. Put simply, it demonstrates there is no bias at 888.com.
888Responsible reveals how 888 have made it their mission to help players enjoy gambling as a hobby, preventing underage players from gaining access to their products, and helping those who may suffer from addiction.
The SafeDeposits and Data Security sections explain the workings of the 888 payment and account systems, giving users everything they need to ensure they are confident that their payments are being handled in a safe and secure manner, and empowering users to keep their accounts safe.
888.com's Senior Vice President Regions, Itai Pazner said: "At 888.com we believe that entertainment and safety come hand in hand. Our players' welfare has always, and always will, come first."
About 888.com
888.com is the World's No. 1 online casino. It has millions of members worldwide who enjoy its casino, bingo and poker rooms and receive an online gaming experience like no other. Founded in 1997 - 888.com this year celebrates its 12th anniversary - by pioneers of the online gaming industry, 888.com has developed a strong brand grown by cutting-edge marketing through offline sponsorships, poker events, online collaborations and continual upgrading of its flagship online products: 888.com Casino, Bingo and Poker. 888.com's goal is to provide quality entertainment to people who enjoy gambling, by giving them the opportunity to do so in a safe, fun, fair, regulated and secure environment. Its clients are its assets and it continually makes every effort to establish customer satisfaction by building relationships via service, honesty, advice and trust - with every member.
888.com operates under a license granted by the Government of Gibraltar for the purposes of operating an online casino and poker room. 888.com has adopted the code of conduct of the Interactive Gaming Council (IGC), of which it is a member. 888.com is operated by Cassava Enterprises (Gibraltar) Ltd. A registered company incorporated and located in Gibraltar (company registration number 83961). The company has other offices around the world and employs over 750 employees. 888.com can be used in 22 different languages in 176 countries worldwide. A leading force in the gaming industry since 1997, 888.com continually strives to be the No. 1 site. It was a founding member of eCOGRA, an independent standards authority for the industry committed to protecting online players around the world. It continually donates to UK and global charities and is working even harder on its CSR messages as well as promoting eCOGRA and providing an international framework of best operational and player practice requirements enforced through inspections, reviews and continuous monitoring by global audit companies. 888.com recently announced its first acquisition: the bingo business and assets from Globalcom. 888's bingo brand - 888ladies - has become a brand leader within a very short time, winning awards and delivering a strong community. Further to the new site offerings and following significant technological investment, 888.com has recently embarked into new on-land ventures, partnering with key brands to deliver specific propositions. Its first partnership, announced late 2006, is an innovative cooperation with Rileys snooker and pool clubs for which 888.com uses its online poker capabilities to power www.rileyspoker.com. 888.com has also recently launched mobile, in-flight, and in-hotel casinos where customers can access their favourite games, not only from their computers but also from mobile phones and televisions.
888.com has been named EGaming Awards Online Casino three times in the last four years, and won 2008 Best Online Operator Award, as well as being named Best Online Casino at the UK Gambling Awards, and Best Betting and Gaming and Operator of the Year at the 2008 Leisure Awards. 888.com also landed the 2008 Gambling Online Magazine Top Casino award and its internal magazine, Eight, won the prestigious Most Effective Membership title at the 2008 APA Effectiveness Awards. Offline activity sits side by side the online business, complementing 888.com's position as the leading authority in gaming entertainment. 888.com is the main sponsor of Sevilla FC and sponsors Shane Warne from the world of cricket.
For further information please contact Ed Nicholson on 0207 487 8682 or at ed.nicholson@888holdings.com
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Thursday, May 14, 2009
888 Poker Ashes
888 announce 2009 Poker Ashes with Shane Warne and Darren Gough
There are few sporting occasions around the World that can match the cricket Ashes for pure anticipation, passion and theatre - two nations divided by half the globe; united by a burning desire to be proclaimed as the superior cricketing nation.
But this Summer a new event which could ultimately become as anticipated and competitive as its more celebrated cousin will be contested by England and Australian cricketing legends in England.
The 2009 888 Poker Ashes is the brainchild of Australian cricketing legend and Ashes demigod, Shane Warne. The event will pit the best poker playing cricketers from England against their counterparts from Australia in a contest to find out which country holds the aces both on and off the cricket pitch this Summer.
And regular poker players from Australia and England will be able to win a place in their 888 sponsored 2009 Poker Ashes team, captained by Shane Warne and Darren Gough, by playing in online qualifiers running now at 888 starting.
Once all the qualifiers (until 31st May) have taken place, those making the final table will then play in a Grand Final – one for Australian 888poker players and one for English 888poker players. The winner of each final will then join either Shane Warne’s or Darren Gough’s team and play in the offline Poker Ashes Final in England on 22nd June/23rd June 2009.
888 will be donating $50,000 to the chosen charity of the winner of the inaugural Poker Ashes.
Matt Robinson, Vice President of Marketing at 888 explains: “This is a unique opportunity for both poker and cricket enthusiasts to participate in the bi-annual jamboree that is the Ashes. 888 poker players can play alongside their sporting heroes, representing their country – and ultimately one 888 poker player will win the initial 888 Poker Ashes for their country”
Shane Warne commented: “Aussies don’t like to be beaten by the Poms – whatever the sport. And I can tell you that Darren Gough and his English Poker Ashes team will face a stern test from our boys! We are taking this very seriously – I’m getting the very best poker players from the Aussie changing rooms, and you Poms are set for an absolute flogging!”
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Pacific Poker
888
888 announce 2009 Poker Ashes with Shane Warne and Darren Gough
There are few sporting occasions around the World that can match the cricket Ashes for pure anticipation, passion and theatre - two nations divided by half the globe; united by a burning desire to be proclaimed as the superior cricketing nation.
But this Summer a new event which could ultimately become as anticipated and competitive as its more celebrated cousin will be contested by England and Australian cricketing legends in England.
The 2009 888 Poker Ashes is the brainchild of Australian cricketing legend and Ashes demigod, Shane Warne. The event will pit the best poker playing cricketers from England against their counterparts from Australia in a contest to find out which country holds the aces both on and off the cricket pitch this Summer.
And regular poker players from Australia and England will be able to win a place in their 888 sponsored 2009 Poker Ashes team, captained by Shane Warne and Darren Gough, by playing in online qualifiers running now at 888 starting.
Once all the qualifiers (until 31st May) have taken place, those making the final table will then play in a Grand Final – one for Australian 888poker players and one for English 888poker players. The winner of each final will then join either Shane Warne’s or Darren Gough’s team and play in the offline Poker Ashes Final in England on 22nd June/23rd June 2009.
888 will be donating $50,000 to the chosen charity of the winner of the inaugural Poker Ashes.
Matt Robinson, Vice President of Marketing at 888 explains: “This is a unique opportunity for both poker and cricket enthusiasts to participate in the bi-annual jamboree that is the Ashes. 888 poker players can play alongside their sporting heroes, representing their country – and ultimately one 888 poker player will win the initial 888 Poker Ashes for their country”
Shane Warne commented: “Aussies don’t like to be beaten by the Poms – whatever the sport. And I can tell you that Darren Gough and his English Poker Ashes team will face a stern test from our boys! We are taking this very seriously – I’m getting the very best poker players from the Aussie changing rooms, and you Poms are set for an absolute flogging!”
Media Man Australia Profiles
Shane Warne
Pacific Poker
888
888 Stocks Jump on South Africa News
888's B2B division signs South Africa deal; stocks jump 2.5 percent
May 13, 2009 (CAP Newswire) -- Yesterday, 888 Holdings Plc’s B2B unit, Dragonfish, announced a new strategic partnership with South African-based Phumelela Gold Enterprises (PGE), one of the world’s largest pari-mutuel horseracing and tote betting organizations. (Read about that news here.)
Today, the market responded by bumping up 888’s stock numbers 2.5 percent. This continue a welcome trend of impressive financial performance for European online gaming companies that’s most likely being fueled by the United States’ warming to the idea of legalizing and regulating the pastime.
The Dragonfish deal will allow 888 to access the South African market, a prime area for activity that many observers are anticipating will grow as regulation comes more fully into play in that nation.
Numis Securities said that "we would expect the shares to respond positively to this agreement and to narrow the around 50 percent 2010 EBITDA valuation discount to its bigger peer, PartyGaming”, according to an article filed by Reuters news service.
Also according to the Reuters article, the Daniel Stewart & Company firm commented: "A cornerstone of 888's growth strategy is expansion of its B2B offering and it is making good headway. This deal should further underpin our current estimates of 2009 EPS of 12.65 cents, placing the shares at 12.5 times 2009 and 10 times 2010."
Click here to read the original report from Reuters.
Greg Tingle comment...
From what I know and have been advised on in the current state of play in the igaming and online casino sector the South African region appears more politically friendly to online casino brands than the Australian sector. At times like these we're glad to be a media, publicity and portal development company (with an igaming arm), rather than actually being an online casino or igaming company. We're somewhat following the Virgin Enterprises Limited type business model formula of being pro actively involved in a number of business verticals, thereby minimizing and spreading risk. ie: not a casino company, not an airline company, not an internet company...news media and portal development covers a lot of ground. I think PartyGaming, Betfair, PokerStars, Virgin Games, PKR and Doyle's to name but a few will be watching to see how 888 performs in South Africa. You can bet Australian Communications Minister Stephen Conroy down under here in Australia has his ACMA "blacklist" at the ready, just waiting to expand on it. Look up Betfair in relation to the ACMA blacklist. I wouldn't be surprised if Australian casino tycoon, James Packer, the Crown Casino king has his people looking into the "blacklist". Packer has some strong history with Betfair. Betfair are not impressed with the Dutch treatment of late either. Things are just heating up on international and national igaming rules and regulations. By the way, I used to believe that casino slot game "Bush Telegraph", as found at Captain Cooks Casino and backed by Microgaming, was an Australian themed slot but have since learned that its likely a South African jungle type theme and story behind its branding. Jeff Fenech and Shane Warne have done some great publicity work for 888 in Australia along with some fantastic community and charity fund raising activities also. 888 even teamed up with Packer's Crown Casino and The Salvos to assist in the Victorian bushfire relief effort. (Credit: CAP Forum)
Greg Tingle
Director
Media Man Australia
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888's B2B division signs South Africa deal; stocks jump 2.5 percent
May 13, 2009 (CAP Newswire) -- Yesterday, 888 Holdings Plc’s B2B unit, Dragonfish, announced a new strategic partnership with South African-based Phumelela Gold Enterprises (PGE), one of the world’s largest pari-mutuel horseracing and tote betting organizations. (Read about that news here.)
Today, the market responded by bumping up 888’s stock numbers 2.5 percent. This continue a welcome trend of impressive financial performance for European online gaming companies that’s most likely being fueled by the United States’ warming to the idea of legalizing and regulating the pastime.
The Dragonfish deal will allow 888 to access the South African market, a prime area for activity that many observers are anticipating will grow as regulation comes more fully into play in that nation.
Numis Securities said that "we would expect the shares to respond positively to this agreement and to narrow the around 50 percent 2010 EBITDA valuation discount to its bigger peer, PartyGaming”, according to an article filed by Reuters news service.
Also according to the Reuters article, the Daniel Stewart & Company firm commented: "A cornerstone of 888's growth strategy is expansion of its B2B offering and it is making good headway. This deal should further underpin our current estimates of 2009 EPS of 12.65 cents, placing the shares at 12.5 times 2009 and 10 times 2010."
Click here to read the original report from Reuters.
Greg Tingle comment...
From what I know and have been advised on in the current state of play in the igaming and online casino sector the South African region appears more politically friendly to online casino brands than the Australian sector. At times like these we're glad to be a media, publicity and portal development company (with an igaming arm), rather than actually being an online casino or igaming company. We're somewhat following the Virgin Enterprises Limited type business model formula of being pro actively involved in a number of business verticals, thereby minimizing and spreading risk. ie: not a casino company, not an airline company, not an internet company...news media and portal development covers a lot of ground. I think PartyGaming, Betfair, PokerStars, Virgin Games, PKR and Doyle's to name but a few will be watching to see how 888 performs in South Africa. You can bet Australian Communications Minister Stephen Conroy down under here in Australia has his ACMA "blacklist" at the ready, just waiting to expand on it. Look up Betfair in relation to the ACMA blacklist. I wouldn't be surprised if Australian casino tycoon, James Packer, the Crown Casino king has his people looking into the "blacklist". Packer has some strong history with Betfair. Betfair are not impressed with the Dutch treatment of late either. Things are just heating up on international and national igaming rules and regulations. By the way, I used to believe that casino slot game "Bush Telegraph", as found at Captain Cooks Casino and backed by Microgaming, was an Australian themed slot but have since learned that its likely a South African jungle type theme and story behind its branding. Jeff Fenech and Shane Warne have done some great publicity work for 888 in Australia along with some fantastic community and charity fund raising activities also. 888 even teamed up with Packer's Crown Casino and The Salvos to assist in the Victorian bushfire relief effort. (Credit: CAP Forum)
Greg Tingle
Director
Media Man Australia
Casino News Media
Australian Casino News
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Party clothes, poker face, by Mark Russell - Fairfax - 28th November 2008
Mark Russell gets a taste of what's on offer at the 14th annual Reef and Rainforest Carnivale.
The Gusman deals me a six of clubs and seven of spades. I try to look confident as I drop the cards back on the table, but my poker face has never been that good. I think I'm what professionals call an easy read. I have played this game before but, to be honest, I was never that skillful. In fact, I'm lousy.
My mates, never the most kind-hearted, knew I was a poor poker player, but, just to make sure I'd lose, they would let the cat in whenever we sat down for a game after a long night at the pub. I'm allergic to cats so it was pretty hard to focus as my eyes puffed up and the tears streamed down my face.
Anyway, here I am sitting at a poker table surrounded by gently swaying palm trees overlooking the spectacular Coral Sea at Port Douglas nervously searching for any signs of a feline presence.
Satisfied that the local cat population is busy elsewhere, I settle down to a friendly game of Limit Texas Hold-Em.
The dealer, resplendent in purple shirt and black waistcoat, introduces himself as the Gusman and ends up dealing me a straight. I rake in the chips and down another cold beer. Life is good. I like the Gusman. A lot of locals like the Gusman too. He has his own radio show and is a popular stand-up comedian in town.
The Gusman is getting in some practice on this beautiful balmy afternoon for his role as MC at the 888 Reef Shark Classic Poker Tournament, touted as "a little bit of Texas in the tropics", which will be one of the features of this year's 14th annual Reef and Rainforest Carnivale.
Organisers expect 2000 players to take part in the four-day event, which kicks off on May 23 with the aim of setting a world record for the largest number of people playing poker outdoors.
The event, to be held at the Rex Smeal Park, will be monitored by World Guinness Book of Records officials.
First prize is free entry into the Aussie Millions poker tournament (valued at $10,000) at Melbourne's Crown Casino and seven nights' accommodation. Second prize is $5000 credit with the online poker website, 888.com
Fifty trained pit bosses will supervise a cordoned-off licensed playing area with 200 tables surrounded by a large public viewing space filled with food stalls and a large screen showing all the action.
The goal for those taking part is to make it through the first three elimination rounds to the final 100 players who will battle it out at the Central Hotel for first and second prize on Saturday night, May 26.
There is no entry fee, but players must buy a $130 raffle ticket, putting them in the draw to win a trip for two to Las Vegas, including air fares and five nights' accommodation. All profits go to the Peter Crimmins Memorial Cancer Fund.
The poker game I sat down to was just one of the highlights of a recent two-day visit to Port Douglas to see what will be on offer during the 10-day Carnivale festival, starting from May 18, which is expected to attract more than 50,000 visitors from all over Australia.
One of the talking points in town during my trip was the $70,000 fishing tournament to be hosted by the Port Douglas and District Combined Club from May 18 to 27.
A lot of locals are vowing to take time off work to try to snare the tagged prized Bonanza Barramundi worth $50,000 and 20 other tagged $1000 fish which will be released in the waters around Port Douglas.
You can register for the event online at carnivale.com.au or at the venue a day before the tournament but, be warned: if you do plan to take part, competition is expected to be fierce. The entry fee is $22 per adult and $11 per child and all entrants have the chance to win an overseas fishing holiday. There will be daily prizes in various categories including best jetty-caught fish and largest fish for a species.
Carnivale will also include an It's a Wild, Wild World-theme street parade with floats and street theatre, bands and dancers, followed by a fireworks display; a food and wine festival; Australia's first international beach soccer tournament; Gourmet Gladiators - celebrity chefs battle it out for supremacy in the kitchen; the Sheraton Mirage Oceania Art Prize with $15,000 in prizes; a junior tennis tournament with tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley on hand to offer a few tips; a pet parade; a music festival and rodeo; a sailing regatta; a short circuit bicycle race; a bowls tournament; a golf clinic and tournament; a fashion parade; and comedienne Klara McMurray.
Organisers also suggest that, if you have any spare time, you might think about taking a ride in a Great Barrier Reef helicopter, playing a round of golf at the Sea Temple Golf and Country Club, or maybe even chartering the luxury cruiser Phantom for a day's fishing and swimming.
Port Douglas may not be Rio de Janeiro, but it's ready to party.
Mark Russell was a guest of Mantra Resorts and Virgin Blue. (Credit: Fairfax)
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Mark Russell gets a taste of what's on offer at the 14th annual Reef and Rainforest Carnivale.
The Gusman deals me a six of clubs and seven of spades. I try to look confident as I drop the cards back on the table, but my poker face has never been that good. I think I'm what professionals call an easy read. I have played this game before but, to be honest, I was never that skillful. In fact, I'm lousy.
My mates, never the most kind-hearted, knew I was a poor poker player, but, just to make sure I'd lose, they would let the cat in whenever we sat down for a game after a long night at the pub. I'm allergic to cats so it was pretty hard to focus as my eyes puffed up and the tears streamed down my face.
Anyway, here I am sitting at a poker table surrounded by gently swaying palm trees overlooking the spectacular Coral Sea at Port Douglas nervously searching for any signs of a feline presence.
Satisfied that the local cat population is busy elsewhere, I settle down to a friendly game of Limit Texas Hold-Em.
The dealer, resplendent in purple shirt and black waistcoat, introduces himself as the Gusman and ends up dealing me a straight. I rake in the chips and down another cold beer. Life is good. I like the Gusman. A lot of locals like the Gusman too. He has his own radio show and is a popular stand-up comedian in town.
The Gusman is getting in some practice on this beautiful balmy afternoon for his role as MC at the 888 Reef Shark Classic Poker Tournament, touted as "a little bit of Texas in the tropics", which will be one of the features of this year's 14th annual Reef and Rainforest Carnivale.
Organisers expect 2000 players to take part in the four-day event, which kicks off on May 23 with the aim of setting a world record for the largest number of people playing poker outdoors.
The event, to be held at the Rex Smeal Park, will be monitored by World Guinness Book of Records officials.
First prize is free entry into the Aussie Millions poker tournament (valued at $10,000) at Melbourne's Crown Casino and seven nights' accommodation. Second prize is $5000 credit with the online poker website, 888.com
Fifty trained pit bosses will supervise a cordoned-off licensed playing area with 200 tables surrounded by a large public viewing space filled with food stalls and a large screen showing all the action.
The goal for those taking part is to make it through the first three elimination rounds to the final 100 players who will battle it out at the Central Hotel for first and second prize on Saturday night, May 26.
There is no entry fee, but players must buy a $130 raffle ticket, putting them in the draw to win a trip for two to Las Vegas, including air fares and five nights' accommodation. All profits go to the Peter Crimmins Memorial Cancer Fund.
The poker game I sat down to was just one of the highlights of a recent two-day visit to Port Douglas to see what will be on offer during the 10-day Carnivale festival, starting from May 18, which is expected to attract more than 50,000 visitors from all over Australia.
One of the talking points in town during my trip was the $70,000 fishing tournament to be hosted by the Port Douglas and District Combined Club from May 18 to 27.
A lot of locals are vowing to take time off work to try to snare the tagged prized Bonanza Barramundi worth $50,000 and 20 other tagged $1000 fish which will be released in the waters around Port Douglas.
You can register for the event online at carnivale.com.au or at the venue a day before the tournament but, be warned: if you do plan to take part, competition is expected to be fierce. The entry fee is $22 per adult and $11 per child and all entrants have the chance to win an overseas fishing holiday. There will be daily prizes in various categories including best jetty-caught fish and largest fish for a species.
Carnivale will also include an It's a Wild, Wild World-theme street parade with floats and street theatre, bands and dancers, followed by a fireworks display; a food and wine festival; Australia's first international beach soccer tournament; Gourmet Gladiators - celebrity chefs battle it out for supremacy in the kitchen; the Sheraton Mirage Oceania Art Prize with $15,000 in prizes; a junior tennis tournament with tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley on hand to offer a few tips; a pet parade; a music festival and rodeo; a sailing regatta; a short circuit bicycle race; a bowls tournament; a golf clinic and tournament; a fashion parade; and comedienne Klara McMurray.
Organisers also suggest that, if you have any spare time, you might think about taking a ride in a Great Barrier Reef helicopter, playing a round of golf at the Sea Temple Golf and Country Club, or maybe even chartering the luxury cruiser Phantom for a day's fishing and swimming.
Port Douglas may not be Rio de Janeiro, but it's ready to party.
Mark Russell was a guest of Mantra Resorts and Virgin Blue. (Credit: Fairfax)
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Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Shane Warne Launches World First - The 2009 Poker Ashes
There are few sporting occasions around the World that can match the cricket Ashes for pure anticipation, passion and theatre - two nations divided by half the globe; united by a burning desire to be proclaimed as the superior cricketing nation.
This English “Summer”, a new event which could ultimately become as anticipated and competitive as its more celebrated cousin will be contested by England and Australian cricketing legends.
The 2009 888 Poker Ashes is the brainchild of Australian cricketing legend and Ashes demigod, Shane Warne. The event will pit the best Poker playing cricketers from England against their counterparts from Australia, including Allan Border, Damien Martyn and team manager Tony G, in a contest to find out which country holds the aces both on and off the pitch.
Regular poker players from Australia and England will be able to win a place in their 888 sponsored 2009 Poker Ashes team, captained by Shane Warne and one of England’s cricketing greats, by playing in free online qualifiers at 888poker from Monday 6th April at 8pm. Full details are available at www.pokerashes.com.
Once all the qualifiers have taken place, those making the final table will then play in a Grand Final –one for Australian 888poker players and one for English 888poker players. The winner of each final will then join the team and play at the table in the Poker Ashes Final in England in June 2009. The final will be played as a 5 test series, with each test as a TV episode to be broadcast in Australia, England, South Africa, India and New Zealand later in the year.
Gareth Edwards, Director of Poker Marketing at 888 explains; “This is a unique opportunity for both poker and cricket enthusiasts to participate in the bi-annual jamboree that is the Ashes. 888 poker players can play alongside their sporting heroes, representing their country – and ultimately one 888 poker player will help win the initial 888 Poker Ashes for their country”.
Although the cricket Ashes will be fiercely competitive, there is no question that the English and Australian 888 Poker Ashes will be as equally well fought, as Shane Warne explains:
“Aussies don’t like to be beaten by the Poms – whatever the sport. And I can tell you the English Poker Ashes team will face a stern test from our boys! We are taking this very seriously – I’m getting the very best poker players from the Aussie changing rooms, and you Poms l are set for an absolute flogging!”
Media Man Australia Profiles
888
Shane Warne
There are few sporting occasions around the World that can match the cricket Ashes for pure anticipation, passion and theatre - two nations divided by half the globe; united by a burning desire to be proclaimed as the superior cricketing nation.
This English “Summer”, a new event which could ultimately become as anticipated and competitive as its more celebrated cousin will be contested by England and Australian cricketing legends.
The 2009 888 Poker Ashes is the brainchild of Australian cricketing legend and Ashes demigod, Shane Warne. The event will pit the best Poker playing cricketers from England against their counterparts from Australia, including Allan Border, Damien Martyn and team manager Tony G, in a contest to find out which country holds the aces both on and off the pitch.
Regular poker players from Australia and England will be able to win a place in their 888 sponsored 2009 Poker Ashes team, captained by Shane Warne and one of England’s cricketing greats, by playing in free online qualifiers at 888poker from Monday 6th April at 8pm. Full details are available at www.pokerashes.com.
Once all the qualifiers have taken place, those making the final table will then play in a Grand Final –one for Australian 888poker players and one for English 888poker players. The winner of each final will then join the team and play at the table in the Poker Ashes Final in England in June 2009. The final will be played as a 5 test series, with each test as a TV episode to be broadcast in Australia, England, South Africa, India and New Zealand later in the year.
Gareth Edwards, Director of Poker Marketing at 888 explains; “This is a unique opportunity for both poker and cricket enthusiasts to participate in the bi-annual jamboree that is the Ashes. 888 poker players can play alongside their sporting heroes, representing their country – and ultimately one 888 poker player will help win the initial 888 Poker Ashes for their country”.
Although the cricket Ashes will be fiercely competitive, there is no question that the English and Australian 888 Poker Ashes will be as equally well fought, as Shane Warne explains:
“Aussies don’t like to be beaten by the Poms – whatever the sport. And I can tell you the English Poker Ashes team will face a stern test from our boys! We are taking this very seriously – I’m getting the very best poker players from the Aussie changing rooms, and you Poms l are set for an absolute flogging!”
Media Man Australia Profiles
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Shane Warne
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Enter The Dragonfish As 888 Rebrands B2B - Gambling Compliance - 31st March 2009
888 is hoping its newly rebranded business-to-business operation will contribute half of its pre-tax profits next year as the online gaming operator’s 2008 results showed its consumer offering stagnating.
Launching its Dragonfish unit yesterday, chief executive officer Gigi Levy said he hoped the B2B arm of the company would see a “reasonable conversion” into sales of a number of the 50 deals it currently has in the pipeline.
He said the new brand name – chosen because a dragonfish is considered lucky in Asia - would allay the fears of potential customers that the previous ‘powered by 888’ B2B branding could lead to consumers being lead towards 888’s own consumer-facing offerings. However, the Dragonfish logo will still include the tag line ‘an 888 company’.
Yesterday 888 also announced it had signed a deal with the UK daily racing paper, the Racing Post, which will see 888 provide white-label casino and poker offerings, including marketing services. In June last year, 888 signed Sportech to its B2B offering which the latter company admitted last week during its own full-year results had involved “initial challenges” which had delayed full launch.
888 also provides online bingo software services to a number of bingo operators including Foxy Bingo from Cashcade (a company with which 888 has been linked for a possible buyout), Wink Bingo and Mirror Bingo and poker and casino to operators such as snooker club owners Riley’s.
Without the B2B performance, and that of the firm’s bingo operation, Levy admitted that 2008 would have been “difficult”. He told GamblingCompliance: “We feel okay. The two things that are making the business a success through these tough times are our bingo offering and our B2B business.”
888’s bingo business, including its own 888Ladies, provided a highlight for the year to December, contributing the largest slice to 888’s total ‘emerging offerings’ revenues which on their own rose from $14.4m to $44.5m. This division also includes 888’s sportsbook operation (888Sport), run as a white-label from Blue Square, which provided just $3m of the $44.5m total, and the live-betting operation.
Asked whether 888 had learnt from the experience of being on the other side of the white-label divide, Levy said it had been educational. “We have definitely learnt a lot from being on the other side, as a customer,” he said. “We are seeing how important it is to give great service to a customer. But what we are offering [our customers] is so much more than the Blue Square deal.”
Levy indicated the Racing Post deal was an example of the type of value-added service that 888 offers its B2B customers. “They have a very strong brand, but we can capitalise on that brand in different ways in marketing, such as with affiliates.”
In the earnings call with analysts, Levy admitted that had the B2B business not been up and running last year, 2008 would have been a bad year indeed for the company. “If we had only B2C [business to consumer], I would have been worried. Gaining market share in a market which is stagnating is very difficult.”
The results confirmed news from the firm’s fourth-quarter trading statement in early February that their poker and casino operations had fallen back to levels last seen in the immediate aftermath of the US exit in October 2006. Back in February, the company blamed the drift in the figures on volatile currency movements and the effects of the economic downturn.
Levy admitted that trading in the first quarter had been a little behind that experienced in a poor fourth quarter, though two fewer days of trading meant it had been “more or less the same”. The company said that poker and emerging offerings had grown quarter on quarter in the first quarter of this year, but that casino had been “challenging”. Levy told analysts: “At this point, there is no ongoing deterioration like we saw in the fourth quarter.”
For the full year, 888’s total operating income rose 21 percent to $262.5m with casino up 14 percent to $135.1m and poker down 4 percent to $77.2m. Pre-tax profit came in 6 percent up at $55.7m while adjusted EBITDA excluding foreign exchange rate losses and share benefit charges rose 23 percent to $55.7m.
Paul Leyland, analyst at Collins Stewart, said the results were “being presented as in line with expectations, albeit only after a raft of analyst downgrades during the second half without clear newsflow”.
Levy said the main effect of the recession to date had been a change in consumer behaviour. Characterising the online gaming punter as being “frantic”, he said it was harder to keep hold of customers. Levy told analysts: “It’s very difficult to retain customers. You have no leeway... customers can leave very easily. There is no competitive advantage that is safe.”
He said customers were also spending less, and that the 888 offering was having to adapt to reflect the behavioural changes. “We realise the world has changed. In the future, customers will be worth a bit less. But we will acquire them cheaper. We will be focusing on getting them to spend more time with us. We need to retain them for longer.”
Part of the solution was to add B2B clients that came with readymade consumers. But Levy added that in consumer-facing terms there was also work that could be done in terms of customer relationship management, to “offer more promotions, making [the offering] more entertaining, so that the customers see us as an entertainment option”.
One element of this would also come from a new ‘softer games’ segment to be launched soon. “It’s the light side of casino,” Levy said. “It’s much softer gaming with lower denominations. It’s a very important product for a period of recession. There is no download, and you can play for free or for small amounts of money. It’s a whole different ball game. It’s customers with a lower value, but the principal is that we are widening the funnel, to get a wider audience.”
The company’s acquisition strategy would include the possibility of buying up technology firms in the B2B sphere. Levy suggested he expected at least one acquisition this year. He told GamblingCompliance that there were “definitely opportunities” to buy businesses at present because they were now being priced “much more reasonably” than had been the case in the past year. “There are some very attractive deals out there. We have the cash.” He said vendor expectations “have shrunk down” since the onset of the recession. To the analysts, he suggested “the difficulty is not closing the deal; it’s about choosing the right one”.
The company has cash on the balance sheet of $98m, though one analyst cautioned that about $50m of that has likely been earmarked for a possible deal with the US Department of Justice (DoJ) regarding 888’s previous activities in the US. This figure falls roughly in line with the deal that PartyGaming is believed likely to sign which could see that firm pay a fine of up to $100m.
Of the recent moves in the US, Levy said that despite the positives of moves in Congress by Barney Frank and the separate moves being made at state level in California, “nothing is happening tomorrow”.
Of the US settlements, he suggested merely that there were “some peers before us in the queue”. Mentioning the recent findings of the European Commission with regard to the WTO and the US attitude to online gaming, he mentioned that it might be no bad thing if the DoJ talks dragged on.
Looking to Europe, Levy said the “end game is for each country to have a local regulatory regime”. He added: “We think this is a great advantage for the big companies, but this is a huge opportunity for those with a mixture of B2B and B2C. In each of those markets [France, Spain, Italy et al] we see huge interest... It presents a bigger opportunity for us than it does for others.”
Significantly for 888 Europe, excluding the UK, now provides 44 percent of total revenues compared to 41 percent from the UK alone. In Europe, Levy said, the firm was looking in particular at Eastern Europe, while further afield it was looking to South America, which last year contributed 8 percent of turnover. The rest of the world provided 7 percent.
888 shares reacted negatively to the results, down 4 percent at close to 108p. However, since a low point in December of the mid-60p level, the shares have risen 66 percent. To guard against the shares falling to such lows again, the company is seeking shareholder approval to buy back a maximum of 10 percent of the shares. “It’s about having a weapon in place,” Levy said. “There was a low point where the shares were down at around 68p or 69p. We would have been stupid not to buy our shares at that point.” (Credit: Gambling Compliance)
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888
Poker News
888 is hoping its newly rebranded business-to-business operation will contribute half of its pre-tax profits next year as the online gaming operator’s 2008 results showed its consumer offering stagnating.
Launching its Dragonfish unit yesterday, chief executive officer Gigi Levy said he hoped the B2B arm of the company would see a “reasonable conversion” into sales of a number of the 50 deals it currently has in the pipeline.
He said the new brand name – chosen because a dragonfish is considered lucky in Asia - would allay the fears of potential customers that the previous ‘powered by 888’ B2B branding could lead to consumers being lead towards 888’s own consumer-facing offerings. However, the Dragonfish logo will still include the tag line ‘an 888 company’.
Yesterday 888 also announced it had signed a deal with the UK daily racing paper, the Racing Post, which will see 888 provide white-label casino and poker offerings, including marketing services. In June last year, 888 signed Sportech to its B2B offering which the latter company admitted last week during its own full-year results had involved “initial challenges” which had delayed full launch.
888 also provides online bingo software services to a number of bingo operators including Foxy Bingo from Cashcade (a company with which 888 has been linked for a possible buyout), Wink Bingo and Mirror Bingo and poker and casino to operators such as snooker club owners Riley’s.
Without the B2B performance, and that of the firm’s bingo operation, Levy admitted that 2008 would have been “difficult”. He told GamblingCompliance: “We feel okay. The two things that are making the business a success through these tough times are our bingo offering and our B2B business.”
888’s bingo business, including its own 888Ladies, provided a highlight for the year to December, contributing the largest slice to 888’s total ‘emerging offerings’ revenues which on their own rose from $14.4m to $44.5m. This division also includes 888’s sportsbook operation (888Sport), run as a white-label from Blue Square, which provided just $3m of the $44.5m total, and the live-betting operation.
Asked whether 888 had learnt from the experience of being on the other side of the white-label divide, Levy said it had been educational. “We have definitely learnt a lot from being on the other side, as a customer,” he said. “We are seeing how important it is to give great service to a customer. But what we are offering [our customers] is so much more than the Blue Square deal.”
Levy indicated the Racing Post deal was an example of the type of value-added service that 888 offers its B2B customers. “They have a very strong brand, but we can capitalise on that brand in different ways in marketing, such as with affiliates.”
In the earnings call with analysts, Levy admitted that had the B2B business not been up and running last year, 2008 would have been a bad year indeed for the company. “If we had only B2C [business to consumer], I would have been worried. Gaining market share in a market which is stagnating is very difficult.”
The results confirmed news from the firm’s fourth-quarter trading statement in early February that their poker and casino operations had fallen back to levels last seen in the immediate aftermath of the US exit in October 2006. Back in February, the company blamed the drift in the figures on volatile currency movements and the effects of the economic downturn.
Levy admitted that trading in the first quarter had been a little behind that experienced in a poor fourth quarter, though two fewer days of trading meant it had been “more or less the same”. The company said that poker and emerging offerings had grown quarter on quarter in the first quarter of this year, but that casino had been “challenging”. Levy told analysts: “At this point, there is no ongoing deterioration like we saw in the fourth quarter.”
For the full year, 888’s total operating income rose 21 percent to $262.5m with casino up 14 percent to $135.1m and poker down 4 percent to $77.2m. Pre-tax profit came in 6 percent up at $55.7m while adjusted EBITDA excluding foreign exchange rate losses and share benefit charges rose 23 percent to $55.7m.
Paul Leyland, analyst at Collins Stewart, said the results were “being presented as in line with expectations, albeit only after a raft of analyst downgrades during the second half without clear newsflow”.
Levy said the main effect of the recession to date had been a change in consumer behaviour. Characterising the online gaming punter as being “frantic”, he said it was harder to keep hold of customers. Levy told analysts: “It’s very difficult to retain customers. You have no leeway... customers can leave very easily. There is no competitive advantage that is safe.”
He said customers were also spending less, and that the 888 offering was having to adapt to reflect the behavioural changes. “We realise the world has changed. In the future, customers will be worth a bit less. But we will acquire them cheaper. We will be focusing on getting them to spend more time with us. We need to retain them for longer.”
Part of the solution was to add B2B clients that came with readymade consumers. But Levy added that in consumer-facing terms there was also work that could be done in terms of customer relationship management, to “offer more promotions, making [the offering] more entertaining, so that the customers see us as an entertainment option”.
One element of this would also come from a new ‘softer games’ segment to be launched soon. “It’s the light side of casino,” Levy said. “It’s much softer gaming with lower denominations. It’s a very important product for a period of recession. There is no download, and you can play for free or for small amounts of money. It’s a whole different ball game. It’s customers with a lower value, but the principal is that we are widening the funnel, to get a wider audience.”
The company’s acquisition strategy would include the possibility of buying up technology firms in the B2B sphere. Levy suggested he expected at least one acquisition this year. He told GamblingCompliance that there were “definitely opportunities” to buy businesses at present because they were now being priced “much more reasonably” than had been the case in the past year. “There are some very attractive deals out there. We have the cash.” He said vendor expectations “have shrunk down” since the onset of the recession. To the analysts, he suggested “the difficulty is not closing the deal; it’s about choosing the right one”.
The company has cash on the balance sheet of $98m, though one analyst cautioned that about $50m of that has likely been earmarked for a possible deal with the US Department of Justice (DoJ) regarding 888’s previous activities in the US. This figure falls roughly in line with the deal that PartyGaming is believed likely to sign which could see that firm pay a fine of up to $100m.
Of the recent moves in the US, Levy said that despite the positives of moves in Congress by Barney Frank and the separate moves being made at state level in California, “nothing is happening tomorrow”.
Of the US settlements, he suggested merely that there were “some peers before us in the queue”. Mentioning the recent findings of the European Commission with regard to the WTO and the US attitude to online gaming, he mentioned that it might be no bad thing if the DoJ talks dragged on.
Looking to Europe, Levy said the “end game is for each country to have a local regulatory regime”. He added: “We think this is a great advantage for the big companies, but this is a huge opportunity for those with a mixture of B2B and B2C. In each of those markets [France, Spain, Italy et al] we see huge interest... It presents a bigger opportunity for us than it does for others.”
Significantly for 888 Europe, excluding the UK, now provides 44 percent of total revenues compared to 41 percent from the UK alone. In Europe, Levy said, the firm was looking in particular at Eastern Europe, while further afield it was looking to South America, which last year contributed 8 percent of turnover. The rest of the world provided 7 percent.
888 shares reacted negatively to the results, down 4 percent at close to 108p. However, since a low point in December of the mid-60p level, the shares have risen 66 percent. To guard against the shares falling to such lows again, the company is seeking shareholder approval to buy back a maximum of 10 percent of the shares. “It’s about having a weapon in place,” Levy said. “There was a low point where the shares were down at around 68p or 69p. We would have been stupid not to buy our shares at that point.” (Credit: Gambling Compliance)
Media Man Australia Profiles
888
Poker News
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Play with the Stars, Win a Beach House -- All for Charity
888.com's Pacific Poker to award seat at the Cannes Charity Poker Event ... and a beach house.
March 13, 2009 (InfoPowa News) -- Pacific Poker.com is putting the finishing touches to an ambitious promotion that will see an online poker player win a seat in the next star-studded Cannes Charity Poker Event -- a private charity tournament that will run in tandem with the Cannes Film Festival later this year.
Scheduled for May 19th 2009, the high-profile event attracts top poker-playing celebs, with Ben Affleck and Matt Damon already signed up for this year. Pacific Poker's winner will be sponsored for travel to Cannes and return and a three-day stay in a five-star hotel, along with any buy-in required.
A luxurious $250,000 beach house in Durban, South Africa is also on the prize list, and players can try for this an online qualifier on May 9th for players who have at least 1,200 frequent player points on Pacific Poker tables. The points must have been accumulated within the period from March 1st through May 5th. For players who do not have the necessary points, there will be a $160 buy-in satellite event on May 7th, with the top three finishers each receiving a seat to the online qualifier two days later.
Proceeds from the Cannes Charity Poker Event will go to Not on Our Watch, a charity devoted to helping children in the Darfur region of Africa, and One Voice for Freedom, a charity dedicated to abolishing modern slavery around the world.
Full details of the tournaments and qualifiers are available on the Pacific Poker site.
Media Man Australia Profiles
888
Pacific Poker
888.com's Pacific Poker to award seat at the Cannes Charity Poker Event ... and a beach house.
March 13, 2009 (InfoPowa News) -- Pacific Poker.com is putting the finishing touches to an ambitious promotion that will see an online poker player win a seat in the next star-studded Cannes Charity Poker Event -- a private charity tournament that will run in tandem with the Cannes Film Festival later this year.
Scheduled for May 19th 2009, the high-profile event attracts top poker-playing celebs, with Ben Affleck and Matt Damon already signed up for this year. Pacific Poker's winner will be sponsored for travel to Cannes and return and a three-day stay in a five-star hotel, along with any buy-in required.
A luxurious $250,000 beach house in Durban, South Africa is also on the prize list, and players can try for this an online qualifier on May 9th for players who have at least 1,200 frequent player points on Pacific Poker tables. The points must have been accumulated within the period from March 1st through May 5th. For players who do not have the necessary points, there will be a $160 buy-in satellite event on May 7th, with the top three finishers each receiving a seat to the online qualifier two days later.
Proceeds from the Cannes Charity Poker Event will go to Not on Our Watch, a charity devoted to helping children in the Darfur region of Africa, and One Voice for Freedom, a charity dedicated to abolishing modern slavery around the world.
Full details of the tournaments and qualifiers are available on the Pacific Poker site.
Media Man Australia Profiles
888
Pacific Poker
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Players Enjoy New Features on 888, by Tom Jenkins - Poker News Daily - 20th February 2009
On 888 Pacific Poker, members will soon enjoy new features as part of Version 5.4 of the site’s software. The online poker room is also one month into its brand new multi-table tournament structure on the 888 Network, which is traded on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol “888.” The new software is expected to be rolled out in March or April.
Littlewoods Gaming jumped to the 888 Network several months ago. Classic Poker also has plans to join the Network, although no official date has been given. Customers on Pacific Poker will soon be treated to a Money Transfer feature, which can be accessed through the Cashier or task bar at the top of the client. The new addition allows customers to send funds to fellow players on Pacific Poker and will be available on March 1st.
Password protected tournaments will also debut. They come in three different types, starting with the “Basic” version, where all players with the tournament’s password can enter. Alternately, players can specify who will have access to the private event. Finally, players can specify lists of people who are eligible to participate. Password protected tournaments are fully-customizable and will be available when Version 5.4 of the software debuts.
With regards to hand histories, players will be able to save them straight to their computers, allowing for compatibility with PokerTracker, Poker Office, and other poker software programs. These are critical for players to be able to review past play for leaks and other deficiencies in their games as well as research opponents. Other competitors in the tracking and analysis marketplace include Hold’em Manager and Poker Copilot, which is compatible with Macs.
A player being able to take their time to act is common in live tournaments. On Pacific Poker, members can soon utilize a Time Bank in ring games and tournaments in order to contemplate critical decisions on whether to call, bet, raise, or fold. Its time will be replenished automatically or manually based on a player’s preference. In addition, when a player is disconnected from the table and it’s their turn to act, the Time Bank will also kick in.
The first-time deposit bonus will also receive an extreme makeover. The bonus will be 100% up to $400 and the first 25% of it is instant and made available to the player immediately. A “Bonus Meter” is displayed right on the table so players know what’s required in order to unlock it. Daily $500 First Time Depositor freerolls will occur during a new customer’s first week and a $1,000 weekly freeroll will also be a part of the tournament offering. Finally, 20 tickets into the site’s marquee $100,000 Guaranteed will be up for grabs for players who have deposited for the first time during the previous week.
A $20,000 Guaranteed tournament runs Monday through Saturday at 20:35 GMT. The $55 tournament awards 3,000 starting chips and blinds increase every 15 minutes. Every Sunday at 20:00 GMT, Pacific Poker holds a $100,000 Guaranteed Deep Stack Challenge, a $130 buy-in contest. Qualifiers begin at $2.20, feeding into $55 qualifiers on Sundays or $38 qualifiers that run Monday through Saturday. For the former tournaments, one person will qualify for every $140 in the prize pool. For the latter, one in four qualify for the $100,000 Guaranteed. In addition, $6.60 qualifiers feed into a $30 tournament on Sunday that awards one entry for every $140 up for grabs.
According to traffic ranking site PokerScout.com, Pacific Poker is the 13th largest worldwide with a seven-day running average of 1,120 cash game players. Its 24 hour peak is 1,928. It sits just ahead of Bodog and behind the Microgaming Network. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
Media Man Australia Profiles
888
Pacific Poker
Poker News
On 888 Pacific Poker, members will soon enjoy new features as part of Version 5.4 of the site’s software. The online poker room is also one month into its brand new multi-table tournament structure on the 888 Network, which is traded on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol “888.” The new software is expected to be rolled out in March or April.
Littlewoods Gaming jumped to the 888 Network several months ago. Classic Poker also has plans to join the Network, although no official date has been given. Customers on Pacific Poker will soon be treated to a Money Transfer feature, which can be accessed through the Cashier or task bar at the top of the client. The new addition allows customers to send funds to fellow players on Pacific Poker and will be available on March 1st.
Password protected tournaments will also debut. They come in three different types, starting with the “Basic” version, where all players with the tournament’s password can enter. Alternately, players can specify who will have access to the private event. Finally, players can specify lists of people who are eligible to participate. Password protected tournaments are fully-customizable and will be available when Version 5.4 of the software debuts.
With regards to hand histories, players will be able to save them straight to their computers, allowing for compatibility with PokerTracker, Poker Office, and other poker software programs. These are critical for players to be able to review past play for leaks and other deficiencies in their games as well as research opponents. Other competitors in the tracking and analysis marketplace include Hold’em Manager and Poker Copilot, which is compatible with Macs.
A player being able to take their time to act is common in live tournaments. On Pacific Poker, members can soon utilize a Time Bank in ring games and tournaments in order to contemplate critical decisions on whether to call, bet, raise, or fold. Its time will be replenished automatically or manually based on a player’s preference. In addition, when a player is disconnected from the table and it’s their turn to act, the Time Bank will also kick in.
The first-time deposit bonus will also receive an extreme makeover. The bonus will be 100% up to $400 and the first 25% of it is instant and made available to the player immediately. A “Bonus Meter” is displayed right on the table so players know what’s required in order to unlock it. Daily $500 First Time Depositor freerolls will occur during a new customer’s first week and a $1,000 weekly freeroll will also be a part of the tournament offering. Finally, 20 tickets into the site’s marquee $100,000 Guaranteed will be up for grabs for players who have deposited for the first time during the previous week.
A $20,000 Guaranteed tournament runs Monday through Saturday at 20:35 GMT. The $55 tournament awards 3,000 starting chips and blinds increase every 15 minutes. Every Sunday at 20:00 GMT, Pacific Poker holds a $100,000 Guaranteed Deep Stack Challenge, a $130 buy-in contest. Qualifiers begin at $2.20, feeding into $55 qualifiers on Sundays or $38 qualifiers that run Monday through Saturday. For the former tournaments, one person will qualify for every $140 in the prize pool. For the latter, one in four qualify for the $100,000 Guaranteed. In addition, $6.60 qualifiers feed into a $30 tournament on Sunday that awards one entry for every $140 up for grabs.
According to traffic ranking site PokerScout.com, Pacific Poker is the 13th largest worldwide with a seven-day running average of 1,120 cash game players. Its 24 hour peak is 1,928. It sits just ahead of Bodog and behind the Microgaming Network. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
Media Man Australia Profiles
888
Pacific Poker
Poker News
Thursday, February 19, 2009
888Poker To Hold Benefit Tournament For Australian Wildfire Victims, by Earl Burton - Poker News Daily - 19th February 2009
People worldwide have been watching with dismay as one of the largest wildfires in Australian history has ravaged the country. Since it started on February 7th, the southern part of Victoria state has seen nearly 2,000 homes destroyed and, worse yet, 201 people killed during what is alleged to have been an intentionally set fire. In an effort to help those who have been affected by the tragedy, an online poker site will be having a charity poker tournament to help out.
888Poker will be having “The Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament” this Sunday, which has also been designated a national day of mourning in Australia. The No Limit Hold’em tournament will donate all of the funds generated from the $30 buy in and rebuys to benefit The Variety and Shane Warne Foundation Bushfire Relief Fund, which is raising money for those families affected by the wildfires. Instead of using the buy ins to raise a prize pool, 888Poker is offering payouts and bounties to draw players to help with the cause.
The tournament, which begins at 8:30PM Australian time (roughly 9:30AM in London) on Sunday, will pay out the winner with a $500 prize. Second and third places will also earn cash, with $300 and $200 being paid out respectively. The remainder of the final table - places fourth through tenth - will earn an entry into the New Zealand Poker Championships Sunday Qualifier on March 1st, a seat that is worth $120.
888Poker will also have celebrity bounties that players can earn some extra cash through eliminating. 888 ambassadors Brendan Fevola (bfevola25) and Jeff Fenech (fenech888) will be taking part in the tournament and, for the fortunate player who eliminates them from the event, that player will receive a $50 bounty prize. While these prizes are great for the players, the major point will be in remembering the tragedy that occurred in Australia and raising funds for those families that have been affected. Jennifer Huxley, the spokesman for 888Poker, stated,
“888Poker is deeply saddened by the tragic events that have occurred and we hope this tournament will help in a small way those that have been affected.”
The fires, now under control after ravaging the bush areas of the state of Victoria since February 7th, have had a devastating impact on the Australian people as well as their resources. The wildfires, fanned by high winds and dry conditions, have blackened more than 1,500 square miles (3,900 square kilometers) and destroyed more than 1,800 homes. Most importantly, 201 people have perished from the fires, with the latest person killed a firefighter who was working to extinguish the blaze around the Yarra Ranges National Park, a region hit hard by the fires, on Tuesday. Brendan Solaluk, 39, is facing one count of deadly arson and one of lighting a wildfire in connection to one of hundreds of blazes that swept southern Victoria state around Geelong.
While American poker players cannot participate in the offerings of 888Poker, it is an opportunity for the game to once again show its philanthropic side. For more details on the tournament and to participate in The Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament, visit 888Poker to learn more. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
*pitched by Media Man Australia
Media Man Australia Profiles
888
Pacific Poker
Bushfire
Disasters
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Shane Warne
Jeff Fenech
Poker News
People worldwide have been watching with dismay as one of the largest wildfires in Australian history has ravaged the country. Since it started on February 7th, the southern part of Victoria state has seen nearly 2,000 homes destroyed and, worse yet, 201 people killed during what is alleged to have been an intentionally set fire. In an effort to help those who have been affected by the tragedy, an online poker site will be having a charity poker tournament to help out.
888Poker will be having “The Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament” this Sunday, which has also been designated a national day of mourning in Australia. The No Limit Hold’em tournament will donate all of the funds generated from the $30 buy in and rebuys to benefit The Variety and Shane Warne Foundation Bushfire Relief Fund, which is raising money for those families affected by the wildfires. Instead of using the buy ins to raise a prize pool, 888Poker is offering payouts and bounties to draw players to help with the cause.
The tournament, which begins at 8:30PM Australian time (roughly 9:30AM in London) on Sunday, will pay out the winner with a $500 prize. Second and third places will also earn cash, with $300 and $200 being paid out respectively. The remainder of the final table - places fourth through tenth - will earn an entry into the New Zealand Poker Championships Sunday Qualifier on March 1st, a seat that is worth $120.
888Poker will also have celebrity bounties that players can earn some extra cash through eliminating. 888 ambassadors Brendan Fevola (bfevola25) and Jeff Fenech (fenech888) will be taking part in the tournament and, for the fortunate player who eliminates them from the event, that player will receive a $50 bounty prize. While these prizes are great for the players, the major point will be in remembering the tragedy that occurred in Australia and raising funds for those families that have been affected. Jennifer Huxley, the spokesman for 888Poker, stated,
“888Poker is deeply saddened by the tragic events that have occurred and we hope this tournament will help in a small way those that have been affected.”
The fires, now under control after ravaging the bush areas of the state of Victoria since February 7th, have had a devastating impact on the Australian people as well as their resources. The wildfires, fanned by high winds and dry conditions, have blackened more than 1,500 square miles (3,900 square kilometers) and destroyed more than 1,800 homes. Most importantly, 201 people have perished from the fires, with the latest person killed a firefighter who was working to extinguish the blaze around the Yarra Ranges National Park, a region hit hard by the fires, on Tuesday. Brendan Solaluk, 39, is facing one count of deadly arson and one of lighting a wildfire in connection to one of hundreds of blazes that swept southern Victoria state around Geelong.
While American poker players cannot participate in the offerings of 888Poker, it is an opportunity for the game to once again show its philanthropic side. For more details on the tournament and to participate in The Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament, visit 888Poker to learn more. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
*pitched by Media Man Australia
Media Man Australia Profiles
888
Pacific Poker
Bushfire
Disasters
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Shane Warne
Jeff Fenech
Poker News
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
888 Pitches in to Raise Funds for Australian Fire Victims
$30 buy-in online poker tourney planned
February 18, 2009 (InfoPowa News) -- Kudos to 888.com on a new initiative it has launched to assist victims of the recent and tragic bushfires in Australia.
The Gibraltar-based online gambling group will be hosting the "Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament" to help the families impacted by the Victoria territory tragedy, which has so far claimed 200 lives.
The No-Limit Texas Hold'em tournament will take place on Sunday, February 22nd at 8:30pm AEDT with a $30 buy-in, and all buy-ins (and re-buys) will be donated to the relief fund.
888 will be awarding prizes in the event, and expects a major turnout from player around the world looking to help a worthy cause and enjoy some great competitive poker with a very reasonable buy-in at the same time.
Media Man Australia Profiles
888
Poker
Poker News
$30 buy-in online poker tourney planned
February 18, 2009 (InfoPowa News) -- Kudos to 888.com on a new initiative it has launched to assist victims of the recent and tragic bushfires in Australia.
The Gibraltar-based online gambling group will be hosting the "Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament" to help the families impacted by the Victoria territory tragedy, which has so far claimed 200 lives.
The No-Limit Texas Hold'em tournament will take place on Sunday, February 22nd at 8:30pm AEDT with a $30 buy-in, and all buy-ins (and re-buys) will be donated to the relief fund.
888 will be awarding prizes in the event, and expects a major turnout from player around the world looking to help a worthy cause and enjoy some great competitive poker with a very reasonable buy-in at the same time.
Media Man Australia Profiles
888
Poker
Poker News
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
888.com Hosts Charity Poker Tournament for Australia Wildfire Victims - Gambling911 - 17th February 2009
Gambling911.com applauds 888.com for its efforts in trying to raise money for those affected by the wildfires in Australia last week. Our friend, The Media Man, has advised that 888.com will be hosting an online poker tournament to help Australia wildfire victims. The publicly traded online gambling firm has been making some serious inroads into Australia over the last year.
Sadly, the wildfire death toll heading into Wednesday (Australia time) had reached 200.
A judge launched an inquiry into the deadly Australian wildfires on Tuesday as authorities announced they would find ways to make the region safer before the next season of inevitable blazes.
Media Man, Greg Tingle, questioned why one individual had been fined by environmentalists for clearing trees and brush away from his property prior to the fires.
"He was the only survivor in his neighborhood," said Tingle.
The nightmarish blazes tore across Victoria with 400 fires destroying more than 1,800 homes and scorching about 1,500 square miles (3,900 square kilometers) of farms, forests and towns.
Police suspect at least two of the fires were deliberately set, and have charged one man with arson causing death and lighting a wildfire. Brendan Sokaluk, 39, faces a maximum sentence of 25 years on the first charge and 15 years on the second. He was being held in protective custody to prevent revenge attacks against him.
A class-action lawsuit was filed against electricity supplier SP AusNet, alleging that defective power lines caused losses and damage in connection with one of the fires. SP AusNet, which is 51 percent owned by the Singapore Power Group, said it would "vigorously defend" the claim.
As for the online poker tournament, details appear below:
Due to the tragic events caused by the bushfires in the Victoria region,
888 will be hosting the "Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament" to help
families in need. The No-Limit Texas Hold'em tournament will take place
on Sunday, February 22nd at 8:30pm AEDT. The buy-in for this tournament
will be $30 and all buy-ins (and re-buys) will be donated to the relief
efforts. Entrants to this special tournament will be playing for great
prizes donated by 888;
1st place: $500 US
2nd place: $300 US
3rd place: $200 US
4th-10th place: Free entry into the 888 NZ Poker Champs Sunday Qualifier
on March 1 ($120 Value)
As well as these great prizes, if you knock out 888 ambassadors Brendan Fevola (bfevola25) or Jeff Fenech (fenech888) you will receive an $50 bounty prize (credited next day).
We hope you take this opportunity to Enjoy The Game while helping your fellow Australian families during this difficult time. Thank you for your support.
What: Tournament- "Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament"
Buy-in: $30 with optional $30 rebuys (all going to charity)
When: February 22nd @ 8:30pm AEDT
Charity: The Variety and Shane Warne Foundation Bushfire Relief Fund
Where: 888Poker
To download and join 888Poker please click on the link below:
DOWNLOAD HERE
Casino News Media Profiles
888
Pacific Poker
Jeff Fenech
Shane Warne
Casino News
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Australian Casino News
Gambling911.com applauds 888.com for its efforts in trying to raise money for those affected by the wildfires in Australia last week. Our friend, The Media Man, has advised that 888.com will be hosting an online poker tournament to help Australia wildfire victims. The publicly traded online gambling firm has been making some serious inroads into Australia over the last year.
Sadly, the wildfire death toll heading into Wednesday (Australia time) had reached 200.
A judge launched an inquiry into the deadly Australian wildfires on Tuesday as authorities announced they would find ways to make the region safer before the next season of inevitable blazes.
Media Man, Greg Tingle, questioned why one individual had been fined by environmentalists for clearing trees and brush away from his property prior to the fires.
"He was the only survivor in his neighborhood," said Tingle.
The nightmarish blazes tore across Victoria with 400 fires destroying more than 1,800 homes and scorching about 1,500 square miles (3,900 square kilometers) of farms, forests and towns.
Police suspect at least two of the fires were deliberately set, and have charged one man with arson causing death and lighting a wildfire. Brendan Sokaluk, 39, faces a maximum sentence of 25 years on the first charge and 15 years on the second. He was being held in protective custody to prevent revenge attacks against him.
A class-action lawsuit was filed against electricity supplier SP AusNet, alleging that defective power lines caused losses and damage in connection with one of the fires. SP AusNet, which is 51 percent owned by the Singapore Power Group, said it would "vigorously defend" the claim.
As for the online poker tournament, details appear below:
Due to the tragic events caused by the bushfires in the Victoria region,
888 will be hosting the "Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament" to help
families in need. The No-Limit Texas Hold'em tournament will take place
on Sunday, February 22nd at 8:30pm AEDT. The buy-in for this tournament
will be $30 and all buy-ins (and re-buys) will be donated to the relief
efforts. Entrants to this special tournament will be playing for great
prizes donated by 888;
1st place: $500 US
2nd place: $300 US
3rd place: $200 US
4th-10th place: Free entry into the 888 NZ Poker Champs Sunday Qualifier
on March 1 ($120 Value)
As well as these great prizes, if you knock out 888 ambassadors Brendan Fevola (bfevola25) or Jeff Fenech (fenech888) you will receive an $50 bounty prize (credited next day).
We hope you take this opportunity to Enjoy The Game while helping your fellow Australian families during this difficult time. Thank you for your support.
What: Tournament- "Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament"
Buy-in: $30 with optional $30 rebuys (all going to charity)
When: February 22nd @ 8:30pm AEDT
Charity: The Variety and Shane Warne Foundation Bushfire Relief Fund
Where: 888Poker
To download and join 888Poker please click on the link below:
DOWNLOAD HERE
Casino News Media Profiles
888
Pacific Poker
Jeff Fenech
Shane Warne
Casino News
Poker News
Australian Casino News
Monday, February 16, 2009
Grey scoops £3m 888.com, by Noel Bussey, Campaign - 11th February 2009
LONDON - Grey London has won the £3 million advertising account for the online gaming company 888.com.
The agency picked up the business following a pitch against JWT, Joshua G2 and Doner Cardwell Hawkins.
Grey's first brief will be to create campaigns for a number of poker and bingo products due to launch in the next few months.
The incumbent on the account was CHI & Partners, which picked up the business in 2007. The agency decided not to re-pitch.
Casino News Media Profiles
888
Poker News
LONDON - Grey London has won the £3 million advertising account for the online gaming company 888.com.
The agency picked up the business following a pitch against JWT, Joshua G2 and Doner Cardwell Hawkins.
Grey's first brief will be to create campaigns for a number of poker and bingo products due to launch in the next few months.
The incumbent on the account was CHI & Partners, which picked up the business in 2007. The agency decided not to re-pitch.
Casino News Media Profiles
888
Poker News
Sunday, February 15, 2009
888Poker Presents The "Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament"
Due to the tragic events caused by the bushfires in the Victoria region,
888 will be hosting the "Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament" to help
families in need. The No-Limit Texas Hold'em tournament will take place
on Sunday, February 22nd at 8:30pm AEDT. The buy-in for this tournament
will be $30 and all buy-ins (and re-buys) will be donated to the relief
efforts. Entrants to this special tournament will be playing for great
prizes donated by 888;
1st place: $500 US
2nd place: $300 US
3rd place: $200 US
4th-10th place: Free entry into the 888 NZ Poker Champs Sunday Qualifier
on March 1 ($120 Value)
As well as these great prizes, if you knock out 888 ambassadors Brendan
Fevola (bfevola25) or Jeff Fenech (fenech888) you will receive an $50
bounty prize (credited next day).
We hope you take this opportunity to Enjoy The Game while helping your
fellow Australian families during this difficult time. Thank you for
your support.
What: Tournament- "Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament"
Buy-in: $30 with optional $30 rebuys (all going to charity)
When: February 22nd @ 8:30pm AEDT
Charity: The Variety and Shane Warne Foundation Bushfire Relief Fund
Where: 888Poker
To download and join 888Poker please click on the link below:
Download here
We hope you take this opportunity to "Enjoy The Game" while helping your
fellow Australian families during this difficult time. Thank you for
your support
Media Man Australia Profiles
Pacific Poker
888
Poker News
Due to the tragic events caused by the bushfires in the Victoria region,
888 will be hosting the "Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament" to help
families in need. The No-Limit Texas Hold'em tournament will take place
on Sunday, February 22nd at 8:30pm AEDT. The buy-in for this tournament
will be $30 and all buy-ins (and re-buys) will be donated to the relief
efforts. Entrants to this special tournament will be playing for great
prizes donated by 888;
1st place: $500 US
2nd place: $300 US
3rd place: $200 US
4th-10th place: Free entry into the 888 NZ Poker Champs Sunday Qualifier
on March 1 ($120 Value)
As well as these great prizes, if you knock out 888 ambassadors Brendan
Fevola (bfevola25) or Jeff Fenech (fenech888) you will receive an $50
bounty prize (credited next day).
We hope you take this opportunity to Enjoy The Game while helping your
fellow Australian families during this difficult time. Thank you for
your support.
What: Tournament- "Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament"
Buy-in: $30 with optional $30 rebuys (all going to charity)
When: February 22nd @ 8:30pm AEDT
Charity: The Variety and Shane Warne Foundation Bushfire Relief Fund
Where: 888Poker
To download and join 888Poker please click on the link below:
Download here
We hope you take this opportunity to "Enjoy The Game" while helping your
fellow Australian families during this difficult time. Thank you for
your support
Media Man Australia Profiles
Pacific Poker
888
Poker News
Monday, February 09, 2009
888 Holdings 4th Quarter Figures Bad, January Good - 5th February 2009
The online poker craze appears to be going off the boil judging by 888 Holdings's fourth quarter figures, though the online gaming firm said its full-year 2008 earnings should meet market expectations, according to Thursday's Sharecast.
"The upbeat nature of 888's statement seems to have rubbed off on rivals PartyGaming, which is sharply higher ahead of a trading update tomorrow, while bookie William Hill also advances."
But have no fear say 888 Holdings company officials, and the market responded.
Shares in 888 Holdings rise 6.9 percent to 105 pence after the online gaming group says January revenues grew following the tough final quarter of 2008 which saw operating income fall 8 percent due to the impact of the weak pound and the economic downturn.
Encouragingly, January has started well, with net gaming revenue up 10 percent ... though given the weak fourth quarter -- with customers in core products down as well as more currency-led spend -- it is difficult to be confident of upgrades,' Collins Stewart analysts say. (Credit: Gambling911.com)
Media Man Australia Profiles
888
Poker News
The online poker craze appears to be going off the boil judging by 888 Holdings's fourth quarter figures, though the online gaming firm said its full-year 2008 earnings should meet market expectations, according to Thursday's Sharecast.
"The upbeat nature of 888's statement seems to have rubbed off on rivals PartyGaming, which is sharply higher ahead of a trading update tomorrow, while bookie William Hill also advances."
But have no fear say 888 Holdings company officials, and the market responded.
Shares in 888 Holdings rise 6.9 percent to 105 pence after the online gaming group says January revenues grew following the tough final quarter of 2008 which saw operating income fall 8 percent due to the impact of the weak pound and the economic downturn.
Encouragingly, January has started well, with net gaming revenue up 10 percent ... though given the weak fourth quarter -- with customers in core products down as well as more currency-led spend -- it is difficult to be confident of upgrades,' Collins Stewart analysts say. (Credit: Gambling911.com)
Media Man Australia Profiles
888
Poker News
Thursday, February 05, 2009
888.com Delivers the Goods
But fourth quarter shows worrying declines
February 5, 2009 (InfoPowa News) -- 888 Holdings plc released an interim management statement this week, again showcasing impressive full-year numbers in which the company can take pride, but rather more depressed Q4 results.
Highlights include:
* Total Operating Income for the 12 months ended 31 December 2008: U.S. $263 million (2007: U.S. $217 million), up 21 percent
* Net Gaming Revenue for the 12 months ended 31 December 2008 from Emerging Offering U.S. $45 million (2007: U.S. $14 million), up 209 percent
* Net Gaming Revenue from Online Casino operations for the 12 months ended 31 December 2008 U.S. $134 million (2007: U.S. $118 million), up 13 percent
* Net Gaming Revenue from Online Poker operations for the 12 months ended 31 December 2008 U.S. $76 million (2007: U.S. $81 million), a decline of 6 percent
* 24 percent increase in real money registered accounts to 5.8 million as of 31 December 2008
* Promising B2B pipeline with one white label deal already signed in January focusing on continental Europe
* Poker released in 11 new languages, 888sport launched in one additional language and integration of Paypal to 888's already wide choice of payment methods
* Third-party games integration continues and reached a total of 22 integrated games
Q4 2008 KPIs were less satisfactory, reflecting the troubled economic times:
* Total Operating Income: U.S. $60 million (Q4 2007: U.S. $65 million) a decline of 8 percent compared to Q4 2007, a result of adverse foreign exchange movement with the marked appreciation of the U.S. dollar compared to the Sterling and the Euro, challenging trading conditions and an uncertain recessionary economic environment
* Net Gaming Revenue from Casino U.S. $29 million (Q4 2007: U.S. $35 million), a decline of 19 percent compared to Q4 2007
* Net Gaming Revenue from Poker U.S. $16 million (Q4 2007: U.S. $21 million), a decline of 25 percent compared to Q4 2007
* Number of active customers in Casino and Poker: 201,119, a decline of 4 percent compared to Q4 2007
* NGR per active group customer in Casino and Poker: U.S. $223, a decline of 18 percent compared to Q4 2007
* Number of active customers in Casino: 72,762 a decline of 1 percent compared to Q4 2007
* NGR per active Casino customer: U.S. $395, a decline of 18 percent compared to Q4 2007
* Number of active customers in Poker: 158,557, a decline of 7 percent compared to Q4 2007
* NGR per active Poker customer: U.S. $101, a decline of 19 percent compared to Q4 2007
* Net Gaming Revenue from Emerging Offering: U.S. $12 million (2007: U.S. $6 million), up 100 percent
Trading in January 2009 has begun positively compared to December 2008, especially in Casino, Poker, Bingo and Live Dealer, 888.com management reports. Specifically, new customer recruitment increased more than 20 percent, Net Gaming Revenue by 10 percent and deposits by 4 percent in each case compared to December (which was the weakest month of the quarter).
Management advises that 888's B2B strategy is progressing well with one deal already signed in January focusing on continental Europe. Further B2B deals are being negotiated.
Poker was released in 11 new languages including Japanese, Greek, Russian and eastern European languages; 888sport was launched in one additional language; third-party games integration continues and has now reached a total of 22 integrated games, and the popular PayPal payment method was integrated into 888's already wide choice of payment methods.
The group's financial position remains robust with approximately U.S. $99 million cash equivalents (of which approximately U.S. $33 million represent liabilities to customers) and no debt, leaving the group in an strong position to exploit M&A opportunities when they become available.
Gigi Levy, Chief Executive Officer, said: "888 demonstrated tremendous progress during 2008 with 21 percent Total Operating Income growth despite a disappointing Q4.
"The prolonged and deepening economic downturn and volatile adverse foreign exchange movements meant unprecedented challenging trading conditions following the end of the summer holiday season. Players played less and we recognized lower revenue denominated in U.S.$ however this was partly mitigated by tighter cost control and cost savings given the group's high proportion of costs which are denominated in non U.S. currencies. We are therefore confident that we will meet or exceed full year clean EBITDA market expectations.
"During the year we have continued the transformation of the group from a pure B2C-focused organisation to a world class B2B end to end gaming solution provider -- a milestone of which was June's Sportech deal. Our pipeline for 2009 is promising and we expect to continue our progress across all business lines."
Media Man Australia Profiles
888.com
Pacific Poker
Poker News
Casino News
But fourth quarter shows worrying declines
February 5, 2009 (InfoPowa News) -- 888 Holdings plc released an interim management statement this week, again showcasing impressive full-year numbers in which the company can take pride, but rather more depressed Q4 results.
Highlights include:
* Total Operating Income for the 12 months ended 31 December 2008: U.S. $263 million (2007: U.S. $217 million), up 21 percent
* Net Gaming Revenue for the 12 months ended 31 December 2008 from Emerging Offering U.S. $45 million (2007: U.S. $14 million), up 209 percent
* Net Gaming Revenue from Online Casino operations for the 12 months ended 31 December 2008 U.S. $134 million (2007: U.S. $118 million), up 13 percent
* Net Gaming Revenue from Online Poker operations for the 12 months ended 31 December 2008 U.S. $76 million (2007: U.S. $81 million), a decline of 6 percent
* 24 percent increase in real money registered accounts to 5.8 million as of 31 December 2008
* Promising B2B pipeline with one white label deal already signed in January focusing on continental Europe
* Poker released in 11 new languages, 888sport launched in one additional language and integration of Paypal to 888's already wide choice of payment methods
* Third-party games integration continues and reached a total of 22 integrated games
Q4 2008 KPIs were less satisfactory, reflecting the troubled economic times:
* Total Operating Income: U.S. $60 million (Q4 2007: U.S. $65 million) a decline of 8 percent compared to Q4 2007, a result of adverse foreign exchange movement with the marked appreciation of the U.S. dollar compared to the Sterling and the Euro, challenging trading conditions and an uncertain recessionary economic environment
* Net Gaming Revenue from Casino U.S. $29 million (Q4 2007: U.S. $35 million), a decline of 19 percent compared to Q4 2007
* Net Gaming Revenue from Poker U.S. $16 million (Q4 2007: U.S. $21 million), a decline of 25 percent compared to Q4 2007
* Number of active customers in Casino and Poker: 201,119, a decline of 4 percent compared to Q4 2007
* NGR per active group customer in Casino and Poker: U.S. $223, a decline of 18 percent compared to Q4 2007
* Number of active customers in Casino: 72,762 a decline of 1 percent compared to Q4 2007
* NGR per active Casino customer: U.S. $395, a decline of 18 percent compared to Q4 2007
* Number of active customers in Poker: 158,557, a decline of 7 percent compared to Q4 2007
* NGR per active Poker customer: U.S. $101, a decline of 19 percent compared to Q4 2007
* Net Gaming Revenue from Emerging Offering: U.S. $12 million (2007: U.S. $6 million), up 100 percent
Trading in January 2009 has begun positively compared to December 2008, especially in Casino, Poker, Bingo and Live Dealer, 888.com management reports. Specifically, new customer recruitment increased more than 20 percent, Net Gaming Revenue by 10 percent and deposits by 4 percent in each case compared to December (which was the weakest month of the quarter).
Management advises that 888's B2B strategy is progressing well with one deal already signed in January focusing on continental Europe. Further B2B deals are being negotiated.
Poker was released in 11 new languages including Japanese, Greek, Russian and eastern European languages; 888sport was launched in one additional language; third-party games integration continues and has now reached a total of 22 integrated games, and the popular PayPal payment method was integrated into 888's already wide choice of payment methods.
The group's financial position remains robust with approximately U.S. $99 million cash equivalents (of which approximately U.S. $33 million represent liabilities to customers) and no debt, leaving the group in an strong position to exploit M&A opportunities when they become available.
Gigi Levy, Chief Executive Officer, said: "888 demonstrated tremendous progress during 2008 with 21 percent Total Operating Income growth despite a disappointing Q4.
"The prolonged and deepening economic downturn and volatile adverse foreign exchange movements meant unprecedented challenging trading conditions following the end of the summer holiday season. Players played less and we recognized lower revenue denominated in U.S.$ however this was partly mitigated by tighter cost control and cost savings given the group's high proportion of costs which are denominated in non U.S. currencies. We are therefore confident that we will meet or exceed full year clean EBITDA market expectations.
"During the year we have continued the transformation of the group from a pure B2C-focused organisation to a world class B2B end to end gaming solution provider -- a milestone of which was June's Sportech deal. Our pipeline for 2009 is promising and we expect to continue our progress across all business lines."
Media Man Australia Profiles
888.com
Pacific Poker
Poker News
Casino News
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Evolution Makes Live Gaming Agreement - 30th January 2009
It was announced earlier (today?) that the provider of live gaming, Evolution Gaming, would be working with 888 on live blackjack, baccarat and roulette (products?).
Just recently, Evolution signed a deal with PartyGaming and its clients, including, William Hill and Gala Coral. The CEO for Evolution, Jens Von Bahr, said that the new deal with 888 further cemented his belief that his company was the market leader in providing gaming solutions.
Jens von Bahr was quoted saying, “the perception of live dealer products has changed considerably. When we started out in 2006, many live dealer products were broadcast from non-regulated jurisdictions and the product did not look that great. We have changed all that and although these things are always evolving and e are never satisfied, we think we have a high quality product to offer.”
Evolution has the intention of doubling its amount of dealers in the near future to around 350. The company has also stated that live gaming has no cannibalised operators’ random number generated casino products, but rather, had attracted large numbers of high spending players.
888’s CEO Gigi Levy expressed his support for the new deal, saying that “The proposal of live casino as a revenue stream is significant for 888.com.” He also stressed that, as with all other products they offered their customers, 888.com would localise and adapt Evolution’s product so as to make it appeal to every market in which it operated.
Media Man Australia Profiles
888.com
Casino News
It was announced earlier (today?) that the provider of live gaming, Evolution Gaming, would be working with 888 on live blackjack, baccarat and roulette (products?).
Just recently, Evolution signed a deal with PartyGaming and its clients, including, William Hill and Gala Coral. The CEO for Evolution, Jens Von Bahr, said that the new deal with 888 further cemented his belief that his company was the market leader in providing gaming solutions.
Jens von Bahr was quoted saying, “the perception of live dealer products has changed considerably. When we started out in 2006, many live dealer products were broadcast from non-regulated jurisdictions and the product did not look that great. We have changed all that and although these things are always evolving and e are never satisfied, we think we have a high quality product to offer.”
Evolution has the intention of doubling its amount of dealers in the near future to around 350. The company has also stated that live gaming has no cannibalised operators’ random number generated casino products, but rather, had attracted large numbers of high spending players.
888’s CEO Gigi Levy expressed his support for the new deal, saying that “The proposal of live casino as a revenue stream is significant for 888.com.” He also stressed that, as with all other products they offered their customers, 888.com would localise and adapt Evolution’s product so as to make it appeal to every market in which it operated.
Media Man Australia Profiles
888.com
Casino News
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Nobody calls Shane Warne's tattoo bluff - The Daily Telegraph - 21st January 2009
He has never been one to shy away from a grand entrance and it was no different yesterday when Shane Warne waltzed into Crown Casino in Melbourne sporting what appeared to be a brand new arm-length tattoo.
Smiling broadly as he walked into a press conference for the Aussie Millions Poker Championship - which he is competing in this week - Warne asked reporters if they liked his new ink.
He then rolled down the fake tattoo sleeve and pulled it from his arm.
"Gotcha, didn't I?" the spin king laughed.
Well, perhaps there could have been one member of the audience who had never before seen the joke tattoo sleeves (pictured) - though that seems doubtful.
Warne went on to explain he was wearing the sleeve to take the mickey out of current Aussie cricket star Michael Clarke, who last month hit the headlines with a huge new tattoo.
Clarke's elaborate piece of body art depicts a guardian angel sitting on a cross, with the initials of his fiancee Lara Bingle emblazoned at the top.
For Warne, the new addition to Clarke's body was the perfect opportunity for a bit of fun with a former teammate.
"I keep taking photos and sending them to Michael," Warne said.
The cricket legend-turned-poker pro will be among 850 players vying for a first prize of $2 million in the Aussie Millions tournament.
And just to add to the "has-been" feel of the event, Warne yesterday posed for photographs with fellow poker fans and former sports stars Jeff Fenech and Mark Philippoussis. (Credit: The Daily Telegraph)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Aussie Millions
Crown Casino
Shane Warne
888.com
Pacific Poker
Poker News
Casino News
He has never been one to shy away from a grand entrance and it was no different yesterday when Shane Warne waltzed into Crown Casino in Melbourne sporting what appeared to be a brand new arm-length tattoo.
Smiling broadly as he walked into a press conference for the Aussie Millions Poker Championship - which he is competing in this week - Warne asked reporters if they liked his new ink.
He then rolled down the fake tattoo sleeve and pulled it from his arm.
"Gotcha, didn't I?" the spin king laughed.
Well, perhaps there could have been one member of the audience who had never before seen the joke tattoo sleeves (pictured) - though that seems doubtful.
Warne went on to explain he was wearing the sleeve to take the mickey out of current Aussie cricket star Michael Clarke, who last month hit the headlines with a huge new tattoo.
Clarke's elaborate piece of body art depicts a guardian angel sitting on a cross, with the initials of his fiancee Lara Bingle emblazoned at the top.
For Warne, the new addition to Clarke's body was the perfect opportunity for a bit of fun with a former teammate.
"I keep taking photos and sending them to Michael," Warne said.
The cricket legend-turned-poker pro will be among 850 players vying for a first prize of $2 million in the Aussie Millions tournament.
And just to add to the "has-been" feel of the event, Warne yesterday posed for photographs with fellow poker fans and former sports stars Jeff Fenech and Mark Philippoussis. (Credit: The Daily Telegraph)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Aussie Millions
Crown Casino
Shane Warne
888.com
Pacific Poker
Poker News
Casino News
Friday, January 16, 2009
888 Pacific Poker Review, by Jeremy Olson - Poker News Daily - 10th October 200
The Quick Summary
Despite initial software issues, 888 Pacific Poker was a room that experienced great success in the early days of online poker, especially among US players. However, 888 Pacific Poker was one of the rooms hit hardest by the UIGEA and has since had to improve not only their software, but everything else as well.
Many of the changes – including offering 8 different languages – have paid off for Pacific and have helped them to win over new players.
Popularity: 7.5 of 10 - Good
Despite losing its US player base after the UIGEA went into effect, 888 Pacific Poker has managed to stay relevant in the world of online poker. The room is still pretty popular in Europe and one can expect to see over 2,000 cash game players and over 8,000 tournament players online during peak hours.
Security: 10 of 10 - Excellent
This is one place where people shouldn’t have to worry about the scandals that have plagued other rooms over the years. The 888 Pacific Poker “Dealer” is a top-of-the-line machine – MD5 Random Number Generator – and it ensures that every game and deal is consistently random.
Concerning their banking, Pacific Poker uses extremely advanced encryption technology to make sure that all of their players’ financial and personal information stays safe from hackers.
Player Competition: 9.5 of 10 - Excellent
888 Pacific Poker has always held a reputation of having lots of fish at their room and a quick visit to Pacific Poker will prove this reputation to be true. Being associated with the 888.com’s Casino-On-Net means that a lot of casual gamblers make their way over to Pacific to try out poker, usually with disastrous results.
Site Software: 6.5 of 10 - Average
Ease of use is definitely Pacific’s biggest virtue when looking about their software. There’s nothing fancy about the overly green look of the lobby but one will have no trouble navigating through it with the tab system at use here.
The look of the tables gets a little fancier since more colors than just green are used, but the drawback is that everything appears pretty small on normal-sized computer monitors; the resize option doesn’t help a whole lot either since the graphics get fuzzier when enlarged.
Customer Support: 9 of 10 - Very Good
People won’t have a tough time getting a hold of a 888 Pacific Poker representative since the room offers three different means of contacting them. Live chat, e-mail, and phone support – which provides a number for each region – are all given as ways of contacting the site. This may be nitpicking, but the only thing that they’re missing is fax support.
Company Ethics: 9.5 of 10 - Excellent
Pacific Poker has a zero tolerance for cheaters and promises to permanently ban anybody that is caught colluding. As a mark of their commitment to reducing cheating, Pacific Poker uses proprietary technology designed to catch colluders and other types of cheaters as well.
Site Promotions: 8 of 10 - Very Good
One area that really stands out with regards to Pacific Poker’s promotions is its deposit bonus method. Now the amount offered – 100% up to $400 – won’t blow anybody away but the fact that they give players 25% of the bonus upfront is pretty outstanding. This way, players can try the room out before they start spending their own money!
As far as its other promotions go, 888 Pacific Poker is pretty standard in comparison to other poker rooms. One interesting thing is that the prize packages they offer to land-based tournaments are unique within the industry; Slovenia, The Calgary Stampede, and the Caribbean are a few of the places that 888 Pacific Poker has sent people to in the past.
Overall Review: 8.57 of 10 - Very Good
Pacific Poker isn’t the flashiest room around but they do a great job in many other areas; security and ethics are at the top of the list. The fact that the competition is soft here is just and added bonus to a room that has made great strides over the past few years.
Final Result: We give 888 Pacific Poker a final overall score of 8.57 out of 10 (Credit: Poker News Daily)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Pacific Poker
888.com
Poker News
The Quick Summary
Despite initial software issues, 888 Pacific Poker was a room that experienced great success in the early days of online poker, especially among US players. However, 888 Pacific Poker was one of the rooms hit hardest by the UIGEA and has since had to improve not only their software, but everything else as well.
Many of the changes – including offering 8 different languages – have paid off for Pacific and have helped them to win over new players.
Popularity: 7.5 of 10 - Good
Despite losing its US player base after the UIGEA went into effect, 888 Pacific Poker has managed to stay relevant in the world of online poker. The room is still pretty popular in Europe and one can expect to see over 2,000 cash game players and over 8,000 tournament players online during peak hours.
Security: 10 of 10 - Excellent
This is one place where people shouldn’t have to worry about the scandals that have plagued other rooms over the years. The 888 Pacific Poker “Dealer” is a top-of-the-line machine – MD5 Random Number Generator – and it ensures that every game and deal is consistently random.
Concerning their banking, Pacific Poker uses extremely advanced encryption technology to make sure that all of their players’ financial and personal information stays safe from hackers.
Player Competition: 9.5 of 10 - Excellent
888 Pacific Poker has always held a reputation of having lots of fish at their room and a quick visit to Pacific Poker will prove this reputation to be true. Being associated with the 888.com’s Casino-On-Net means that a lot of casual gamblers make their way over to Pacific to try out poker, usually with disastrous results.
Site Software: 6.5 of 10 - Average
Ease of use is definitely Pacific’s biggest virtue when looking about their software. There’s nothing fancy about the overly green look of the lobby but one will have no trouble navigating through it with the tab system at use here.
The look of the tables gets a little fancier since more colors than just green are used, but the drawback is that everything appears pretty small on normal-sized computer monitors; the resize option doesn’t help a whole lot either since the graphics get fuzzier when enlarged.
Customer Support: 9 of 10 - Very Good
People won’t have a tough time getting a hold of a 888 Pacific Poker representative since the room offers three different means of contacting them. Live chat, e-mail, and phone support – which provides a number for each region – are all given as ways of contacting the site. This may be nitpicking, but the only thing that they’re missing is fax support.
Company Ethics: 9.5 of 10 - Excellent
Pacific Poker has a zero tolerance for cheaters and promises to permanently ban anybody that is caught colluding. As a mark of their commitment to reducing cheating, Pacific Poker uses proprietary technology designed to catch colluders and other types of cheaters as well.
Site Promotions: 8 of 10 - Very Good
One area that really stands out with regards to Pacific Poker’s promotions is its deposit bonus method. Now the amount offered – 100% up to $400 – won’t blow anybody away but the fact that they give players 25% of the bonus upfront is pretty outstanding. This way, players can try the room out before they start spending their own money!
As far as its other promotions go, 888 Pacific Poker is pretty standard in comparison to other poker rooms. One interesting thing is that the prize packages they offer to land-based tournaments are unique within the industry; Slovenia, The Calgary Stampede, and the Caribbean are a few of the places that 888 Pacific Poker has sent people to in the past.
Overall Review: 8.57 of 10 - Very Good
Pacific Poker isn’t the flashiest room around but they do a great job in many other areas; security and ethics are at the top of the list. The fact that the competition is soft here is just and added bonus to a room that has made great strides over the past few years.
Final Result: We give 888 Pacific Poker a final overall score of 8.57 out of 10 (Credit: Poker News Daily)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Pacific Poker
888.com
Poker News
Thursday, January 15, 2009
888 signs new software deal - 26th March 2008
Leading gaming operator 888.com Casino has launched a partnership with Australian games developer NextGen Gaming, it has been confirmed.
The new deal will allow 888.com - already one of the web's most recognisable casino gambling brands - to expand its online offerings through a raft of new gaming titles.
Many of NetxGen most popular casino games will be integrated into the online operator's website as part of the deal, with multilingual titles being tailored to specific regions of the world.
The first such games will also be made available to 'white label' partners of the online casino by the third quarter of 2008.
Gabi Campos, head of offering for 888.com, affirmed that her company was committed to enveloping quality third-party games into the operator's online services.
NextGen chief executive officer Matt Davey added: "Through this strategic agreement NextGen, as the world's premier supplier of gaming content, is proud to offer some of its best performing titles such as Eastern Dragon and Dr Love."
Media Man Australia Profiles
888.com
NextGen Gaming
Leading gaming operator 888.com Casino has launched a partnership with Australian games developer NextGen Gaming, it has been confirmed.
The new deal will allow 888.com - already one of the web's most recognisable casino gambling brands - to expand its online offerings through a raft of new gaming titles.
Many of NetxGen most popular casino games will be integrated into the online operator's website as part of the deal, with multilingual titles being tailored to specific regions of the world.
The first such games will also be made available to 'white label' partners of the online casino by the third quarter of 2008.
Gabi Campos, head of offering for 888.com, affirmed that her company was committed to enveloping quality third-party games into the operator's online services.
NextGen chief executive officer Matt Davey added: "Through this strategic agreement NextGen, as the world's premier supplier of gaming content, is proud to offer some of its best performing titles such as Eastern Dragon and Dr Love."
Media Man Australia Profiles
888.com
NextGen Gaming
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Friday, December 16, 2005
Friday, December 09, 2005
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Friday, July 01, 2005
888.com News Media
888.com News Media is published by Media Man Australia and Casino News Media.
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888.com
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Media Man Australia
Casino News Media
888.com News Media is published by Media Man Australia and Casino News Media.
Media Man Australia Profiles
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Websites
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