Retail

French gambling regulator ARJEL have promoted Gilles Crespin as Chief Executive of the regulatory organisation. Crespin takes over from the position following the retirement of incumbent Frédéric Epaulard. Crespin is set to undertake the restructuring of the organisation as ARJEL looks to be more in-tune with modern gaming consumer demands. Crespin had served as Assistant General Manager for the French …

Former Greek state run gambling operator OPAP, posted a bigger than expected drop in profits for 2013. The operator had been hurt by new corporate gaming taxes implemented in the region. The operator had been burdened with a new 30% levy on its gross gaming revenue, which saw 2013 net profits drop to €141 million (£117 million). The new 30% …

Sports betting operators Sportech and Rank Group may be rewarded with UK tax returns concerning corporate claims for refunds on overpaid UK VAT. Both operators have applied for UK High Court hearings regarding tax rebates on overpayments made by the operator to the UK government. Further positive news for the operators saw the UK High Court ruled that refunds for …

BettorRetail frontman David McMorrow, former marketing guru at William Hill and Ladbrokes, discusses with SBC’s David Kelly how loyalty cards and gaming machines have energised retailers, although difficulties remain. How has Odds On!-Ladbrokes’ loyalty reward programme, changed the retail betting industry? Odds On! was the first betting loyalty card on the high street and was launched back in 2008. While …

Coral has launched Coral Connect – a single wallet card that can be used across all channels, including gaming machines and over the counter. Using contactless technology and a PIN number, the card arrives in time for this summer’s World Cup when games will be played either before or after the shops close. Coral Connect signifies the bookmaker’s commitment to driving the industry …

INTRALOT Peru, one of the leading lottery and sports betting company in Peru, has been granted Level 3 Responsible Gaming Certification by the World Lottery Association (WLA), becoming one of the first lotteries in the Latin American region to achieve such accreditation. The certification is a result of coordinated efforts and a reward to effective implementation of INTRALOT Group’s industry …

Paul Darling QC has been appointed the new Chairman of the Association of British Bookmakers (ABB) with effect from 1st May 2014. He takes over from Neil Goulden, who is stepping down to concentrate on his other role as Chairman of the Responsible Gambling Trust. Barrister Darling was a Non-Executive Director at the Tote (2006-2008) and became a Government Appointed …

Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc. (“GCA” or the “Company”) (NYSE:GCA), a global provider of innovative cash access solutions, cash handling devices and business intelligence for gaming establishments, today announced its Everi™ product has been awarded second place in Casino Journal’s 2013 Top 20 Most Innovative Gaming Technology Products. Everi™, launched in 2013, is an innovative payments and monetization solution bridging payments opportunities …

UK gambling operator Ladbrokes Plc urged the UK Government to rethink its plans to increase tax levied on profits generated from fixed odds betting terminals (FOBT’s). The operator claimed that unfair tax levying on the UK bookmakers could cost the industry around £75 million a year. The tax rate issued on FOBT’s is set to rise from 20% to 25% …

Betfred owner Fred Done may just be the most generous man in gambling. This March Done, a lifelong Manchester United fan, ordered Betfred management to refund £200,000 to Manchester United fans who had high hopes on their football club retaining the Barclays Premier League title. This week Betfred announced that Fred Done would sponsor the Bolton Hospice’s eighth annual Midnight …