Gala Coral Group has hired bankers Lazard as strategic adviser for the sale of its 130 retail bingo clubs. UK business sources have indicated that Lazard are seeking to sell Gala Coral’s retail bingo division for an estimated £250 million. A Gala Coral statement confirmed that the operator had “commenced a process to explore the possibility of a disposal of …

US racing track operator, Churchill Downs announced the appointment of William Carstanjen as new Chief Executive Officer replacing Robert Evans. Prior to the appointment Carstanjen had served as President of the Kentucky race track operator. The restructure of Churchill Downs senior management will see William Mudd take the position of President, whilst also serving as Chief Financial Officer. Churchill Downs …

Sports media rights business Perform Group reported half yearly pre-tax losses of 4.18 million, increasing corporate losses from £2.6 million. Perform Group reported increased gross revenues of 118.8 million, up 29% on 2013 figures. The company posted adjusted EBITDA of £15.6 million. Senior management commented that the rise in revenues had been driven by strong display advertising sales during the …

Greek state owned gambling operator OPAP reported improved results in the second quarter of 2014. OPAP saw gaming revenues climb 8% to €947.3 million, as the operator posted an increase in EBITDA earnings of 50% to €68.6 million. The Greek operator, beat market forecasts which had expected a downturn in gaming revenues for OPAP. However OPAP’s net profit dropped 44.5 …

bwin.party published its H1 interim results for 2014, the operator saw total revenues fall to €317.1 million, down from €342.5 million  year on year, for their opening six months of 2014 (reporting period ending 31 June). The operator has described its performance as mixed, seeing sports betting revenues increase by 7% to 127.4 million (H1 2013 – €119million), whilst reporting …

Eastern European focused sports betting operator Fortuna Entertainment, cited increased sports betting activity as its key factor for its improved performance during the first half of 2014. Fortuna reported an increase in wagering of 20.8% during the opening half of 2014, with wager amounts totaling €333.2 million (£264 million). Sports betting contributed to 97.6% of wagering with €325,3 million. Due …

The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) announced today that its Board of Directors has approved the membership applications of five new companies, bringing the trade group comprised of the world’s leading gaming suppliers to a total of 143 members. The new AGEM members are: Asimex Global, based in Mexico City, offers a wide variety of logistics and international trade …

Finland’s national gaming operator has launched today with Playtech’s cutting-edge live casino solution located in its own purpose-built studio within its Espoo headquarters and featuring a new presenter concept. RAY (Raha-Automaattiyhdistys – Slot Machine Association Finland) has further extended its existing long-term relationship with Playtech and launched unlimited Blackjack, Blackjack and Roulette tables. The initial launch includes Playtech web version …

The UK Government is set to launch a ten week consultation into the possible reform of the horseracing levy. UK sports minister Helen Grant, had asked the government to review the current framework of the levy, stating that it had been in need of a review and possible reform for some time. Grant commented “”Horseracing and betting have grown together …

Manchester sports betting operator, Betfred has announced the launch of a new multi channel / muti content marketing campaign, created by new creative agency Brothers and Sisters. The new campaign named ‘the dudes’ will replace the existing Betfred “you’ll love a bit of Betfred” campaign, as Betfred look to promote it’s sports betting offers to a new audience. The campaign …