eGaming Review

NEWS: One of the remaining US-facing poker sites Doylesroom.com has announced it has joined the US market exodus. In a statement the company said: “In view of the passage of the UIGEA and the cessation of operations by Neteller and other payment processors, the management of Doylesroom.com has reluctantly decided not to permit online real-money play by US-based players.”

NEWSPAPERS AND WIRES: The Scotsman reports that Ladbrokes is being tipped to announce an interest in running the UK’s first supercasino when it unveils its 2006 results on Thursday. The paper adds that analysts at Numis said the shares could also be buoyed by any news of expansion plans and details of a deal to buy online gaming group 888 or a return of cash to shareholders. The Sun reports the company is expected to report profits of £240m (US$468m).

The Financial Times says CryptoLogic’s decision to move its head office from Canada to Ireland shows it was mindful of keeping on the right side of US law, and that it was quick to emphasise its decision not to supply US customers post-UIGEA. The FT says: “As a result, CryptoLogic has not had to tell directors not to travel to the US. Indeed, Stephen Taylor, chief financial officer, told Mudlark he visited the US only three weeks ago.”

CITY: Rank’s share price has fallen 2p to 235p, Ladbrokes is down 1.5p to 452p and 888’s has dropped 0.75p to 110p.

Posted: 20/02/2007