Nambling Notes - Feb. 25, 2008

IGN's Emily Swoboda spoke with Jim Tabilio, president of the "10 or 12" grassroots guys behind the I-poker study bill in California. Click here to view the full story.

Two Irish "daredevil investors" have taken a 3 percent stake in Ladbrokes. Click here to view the full story.

Peter Sederowsky, previously chief executive at Paradox Entertainment Inc., has been appointed CEO of Casablanca Gaming Group AB. Casablanca operates 24hPoker and Martinspoker via subsidiaries in Malta.

The Sunday Times followed up on last week's Ladbrokes-Parlay Entertainment market chatter, having said that the bookie's interest in expanding its online operations comes as it prepares to sell its only bricks-and-mortar casino. Ladbrokes has yet to publicly address the speculation but is expected to make an announcement on the release of its annual results this week.

Rank will also release its full-yearly figures on Friday, and analysts, according to the UK Press Association, are expecting 2007 operating profits to have fallen by nearly 17 percent to £64.3 million and adjusted pre-tax profits to have dropped to £41.5 million from £44.4 million in 2006.

Landsbanki Analyst Mark Reed told the Scotsman the he cannot see William Hill or Ladbrokes "reporting strong numbers, and you struggle to see where the good news is coming from them at the moment."

A report released by eCOGRA this morning says that 68 percent of complaints it handled across 2007 were settled in favor of the player. The group offers a dispute resolution service to players at sites which have been given its Safe and Fair seal.

32Red has launched its French-language online casino service on the Microgaming platform.

Betfair has inked a partnership agreement with Totesport whereby customers can bet on the U.K. Tote via their Betfair accounts with immediate effect.

Hamburg-based lottery specialist Tipp24 has "exceeded its own forecasts" for FY 2007 with consolidated net profits of 6.3 million euros. Full-yearly revenue was up 30 percent to 45 million euros, attributable in part to a 32.4 percent jump in registered customers against figures from the previous-year period.

Clarion Events was acquired on Thursday for £120.5 million by Veronis Suhler Stevenson, a U.S.-based private equity investor.

Sweden-based operator Redbet Holding AB revealed a 276 percent jump in full-yearly revenue to SEK 70.95 million, with profits of SEK 0.43 million compared to losses of SEK 10.60 million in 2006.

(Seriously?) President George W. Bush has rhythm, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice assured reporters on Friday after watching her boss join African dancers during his five-nation tour of the continent this week.

On the London Stock Exchange today, gaming shares were up amid the City's growing angst over a government clampdown on betting machines. William Hill was up 12.50p (3.2 percent) to 402.00, Sportingbet -- on the back of Bwin's reported interest in a 70p per share bid approach -- was up 4.25p (9.9 percent) to 47.25 and London Capital Group was up 9.50p (2.7 percent) to 360.00.