Nambling Notes - April 29, 2008

Betsson AB, the Sweden-based online gambling operator, revealed a 54 percent increase in first-quarter revenue to 227.8 million Swedish kronor, or $37.8 million, from $24.6 million in the year-ago period. Active customers were up 43 percent to 153,000 against the fourth quarter of 2007. Income, before and after taxes, was up 26 percent and 28 percent to $9.5 million and $8.9 million, respectively.

"During the first quarter Betsson has increased focus on customer acquisition and growth," said Chief Executive Pontus Lindwall in a prepared statement Tuesday. "I conclude that the investment has been successful and that we as a result of this laid down a solid foundation for future growth during the year to come."

Webis Holdings, the online operator, has extended its sponsorship agreement with Newmarket Racecourse in Suffolk, England, to include seven additional races in May 2008. The races are to be branded under Betinternet.com, a Webis-owned sports betting portal site.

The Responsibility in Gambling Trust, an independent charity whose charter covers problem gambling in the United Kingdom, has received £3.6 million, or $7.08 million, in voluntary charitable donations in the year ending March 31, 2008. The trust bested its target figure, £3.5 million, by £100,000.

At its annual shareholders meeting Tuesday, Unibet declared a first-quarter dividend of 6.30 Swedish kronor, or $1.04, to be distributed on May 8.

International Herald Tribune reports the French Tennis Federation, organizer of the French Open, on Tuesday lost its case against Bwin, Ladbrokes and Betfair in a Belgian court.

On Feb. 1, the federation filed lawsuits with Belgian and French courts, which, if ruled favorably upon, would have prevented the three operators from offering action on French Open matches.

While no ruling has been given on the federation's French filing, Sigrid Ligné, secretary general of the European Gaming & Betting Association, welcomed the Belgian ruling, handed down by the Liège Court of First Instance.

"EU-licensed bookmakers are professionals that have a high level of expertise, know-how and risk management skills," said Ms. Ligné in a prepared statement Monday. "This has been clearly recognised by the Belgian judge looking at the fact-based evidence to dismiss all the claims in this case."

Financial Times revealed Monday that a European Commission report, due to be released next Monday, found credit- and debit-card fraud threatens to obstruct the development of a cross-border payments system in Europe. The report, the paper said, took specific note of the "gaming/gambling sector," saying that it -- alongside the "airlines/travel agencies" -- has been identified as a "weak area" with regard to payments security protocols.

On the London Stock Exchange Tuesday, 888 Holdings was down 4.25p, or 2.7 percent, to 150.75, PartyGaming was down 0.25p, or 0.9 percent, to 26.50, and London Capital Group was down 8p, or 2.3 percent, to 333.