Nambling Notes - May 19, 2008

NetPlay TV (London: 22p / + 1p / + 4.76%)

NetPlay TV, the interactive television gambling specialist, has revealed full-yearly revenue of £9.41 million, or $18.32 million, on losses before taxes of £4 million.

However, £2.5 million of the loss derived from a single "goodwill impairment," the company said.

The company's Live Roulette business experienced "exceptional growth," it said, with gross bets in December totaling £17.3 million against £3.4 million in December 2006.

It said it was "pleased" with current trading following a string of acquisitions, which included Abstract Games Ltd. and the PlayMonday lottery from Chariot.

For the first four months of the 2008 fiscal year, the company revealed earnings before interest, taxes, deductions and amortization -- before exceptional items and share-based payments -- of £843,000.

Rank Group (London: 89p / no change)

Rank Group has appointed Phil Urban managing director of its Grosvenor Casinos business, effective June 2.

Mr. Urban served previously as managing director of Whitbread, the U.K.-based hospitality company.

Mr. Urban, who will also join the company's executive committee, will succeed Peter McCann.

Rank Group, a land-based and Internet gambling operator, said in its May 7 interim management statement that for the 17 weeks to April 27, casino revenue was down 7 percent versus the year-ago period.

Admissions were down 14 percent, but spend per customer was up 8 percent.

With regard to Blue Square, the company's online, interactive gambling arm, revenue was up 10 percent versus the previous-year period.

Since April 21, shares in the Maidenhead, England-based company have oscillated between 87 pence, or $1.70, and 96.25 pence.