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888 to Launch Sports Book in Q1 2010

Online gambling and entertainment group 888 has announced they will be partnering with Rank and Blue Square to launch a 888-branded sports book early next year. Reuters quoted industry sources as saying the official announcement would be made on Monday.

Under the terms of the deal, Rank's Blue Square sports book will calculate the odds for the 888.com branded site and, in return, 888 will provide Blue Square with its advanced payment processing platform.

On the back of what has already been a bumper year for 888 as it strives to rebuild following the UIGEA last year, this news should result in yet another increase in the share price when trading recommences on Monday. Following last week's impressive trading update, shares in 888 (LSE: 888.L) closed 6% higher on Friday at 130.50p.

The new sports book will be a valuable addition to the 888 network, which already includes a popular online casino (Casino-on-Net) and bustling online poker room (Pacific Poker).

888 CEO Gigi Levy said last month his company would launch its sports betting operations by the end of the year. Reuters quoted their source as saying:
"We expect a pan-European launch in Q1 2010 before also going to other countries as well."

888 is also launching aggressive marketing campaigns in the UK to take advantage of the recently relaxed rules allowing online gaming companies to advertise in the mainstream market. A new campaign telling Brits to "Enjoy the Game" will be plastered across both sides of taxicabs in four major UK cities: London, Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham.

Along with external branding, the interiors of the cabs will also include tip-up seats and passengers will be given branded 888 receipts. Certain taxis will be driven by dedicated 888 players.

888 To Launch Online Casino in the Air

Online casino and poker company 888 will be launching their real-money games for bored air travelers next year, with a number of leading airlines already signed up and more sure to follow.

In what is sure to be an exciting new revenue source for Casino-on-Net 888, as of next year British Airways, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific flights could be offering their passengers the option of entertainment in the form of real-money casino and poker gambling.

The British newspaper The Sunday Mirror carried a report saying passengers will be able to log on to the internet and stake cash on popular games including Blackjack, Roulette and Poker.

Passengers will be able to use their in-flight entertainment screens to access the internet and place their bets using credit cards at Casino-on-Net 888.

Online Casino Group Launches Responsible Website

Gibraltar-based online gambling group 888.com has announced the launch of a new website dedicated to responsible gaming at 888 Responsible.com.

888.com stated that the website is part of its extensive social responsibility program and launched in synch with Britain’s National Association for Gambling Care Educational Resources And Training (GamCare) responsible gambling charity.

Ruth Tanami, Director of Responsible Gaming for 888.com stated that the new website is to offer comprehensive and accessible information about responsible gaming practices, dealing with problem gambling, preventing underage gambling and charitable activities.

The site will provide tools to address problem gaming and give information for parents to identify whether their children Oct have a problem with gambling. Players Oct take a self-assessment to test to determine their gambling habits and learn how to keep out of debt.

In recognition, 888.com has been recognised by GamCare and received the association''''s certification.

''''We are delighted to award 888 with our certification as a mark of their excellent standards of practice,'''' said Andrew Poole, Head Of Online Services for GamCare.

''''GamCare has a commitment to promote responsible attitudes to gambling and we recognise the importance of acknowledging those organisations that have attained high standards of social responsibility and player protection, issues that are becoming increasingly important for any remote gambling operator.

''''Ensuring that gaming remains responsible and fun demands a collaborative effort from not only the gaming companies but also from support agencies, governments and individual gamblers too. It is encouraging to see 888.com contributing in this way.''