Nambling Notes - May 8, 2008

CryptoLogic Ltd., the I-gaming software developer, has agreed to supply 888 Holdings with casino games -- including Bejeweled, Cubis and Millionaire's Club -- via a three-year licensing deal inked Thursday.

The agreement, the third of its kind for 888 in 2008, follows deals with NextGen Gaming, the Australia-based software developer, and CTXM, the Latvia-based games developer.

"This reaffirms 888's strategy of creating a game ecosystem, powered by an industry-leading integration infrastructure, which enables 888 to introduce a diversified offering to existing and new players," said Gigi Levy, the company's chief executive.

PKR, the online poker operator, has inked a one-year deal with Dennis Publishing Ltd. to produce a quarterly print magazine for its players. The magazine's first issue is scheduled for release in June 2008.

JenningsBet.com, Sunderlands.co.uk and Eurofootball.bg have joined the Microgaming Poker Network.

Youbet.com Inc., the California-based advance deposit wagering group, has revealed a first-quarter net profit of $774,000 after sustaining losses of $27.4 million in the previous quarter. On a conference call with analysts and investors Tuesday, Michael Brodsky, Youbet's recently-appointed chief executive, said the company's focus "has returned to our two core products, Youbet Express and United Tote."

Die Welt, a German national daily, reports Bwin Interactive Entertainment will no longer market abroad broadcasting rights for Bundesliga games from 2009, as DFL, the German football league, plans to take over marketing activities itself.

"We believe we can significantly expand the market share of Bundesligna in growing foreign markets through an agency of our own," Christian Seifert, chief executive of DFL, told the paper.

Under the terms of DFL's current agreement with Bwin, the Austria-based operator pays 20 million euros, or $30.8 million, annually. Mr. Seifert said DFL plans to increase revenue to 30 million euros in 2009 and 40 million euros in 2010 by using its own agency.

On the London Stock Exchange Thursday, 888 was up 4.50p, or 3 percent, to 156, Playtech Ltd. was up 2p, or 0.4 percent, to 506 -- besting Wednesday's all-time high -- while CryptoLogic was up 64p, or 6.18 percent, to 1,100.