Morning Brief: Big Friday

12 September 2008

By Christopher A. Krafcik

Bwin Interactive Entertainment has lost a civil case in a German regional court involving unfair competition, but legal experts in Germany have told IGamingNews that the federal court may ultimately decide in favor of the Vienna operator.

Our full report will be available later today.

Barney Frank, the Massachusetts Democrat, has reintroduced the Payment Systems Protection Act. In late June, both the original and amended version of the bill were voted down in the House Financial Services Committee.

IGN's Take: Early in our investigation, we understand that the new version of the bill would allow the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act to take effect immediately with regard to sports betting. If this is broadly correct, then the sports leagues -- historically one of I-gaming's most outspoken and effective opponents -- may debate repositioning their opposition.

More on this later today.

The French government is making plans to privatize La Francaise des Jeux, the national lottery -- possibly through an initial public offering next year, according to the French press.

Merrill Lynch & Co., one of the best-known names in the financial services industry, has been picked by the government as sole financial advisor.

More on this later today.

Morning Brief: Big Friday is republished from iGamingNews.com.