Gambling News by House of Odds

Online gambling giant 888 has reported record growth, with 3.6 million
members now betting online. The website reported a 35 per cent increase in
real money memberships in its final quarter results for 2006 despite the
operator having to exit its operations in the US because of regulation
changes last October. Changes in legislation limited online gambling
companies from being able to accept electronic payment methods, such as
credit cards, for members to use its casino and poker games - dealing 888's
US market a crippling blow. The company's non-US business reported a net
gaming revenue of $157 million (£78 million) in 2006, 28 per cent above
revenue in 2005. Its net gaming revenue for all business, including the US,
was up seven per cent in the same period. Helping its non-US operations were
the release of new online casino in Spanish and German languages and a new
sports betting licence issued in Italy in December. The increase in revenue
for 888 has continued into the start of 2007, with revenue set to rise even
further by the release of a mobile casino this month. Announcing the
results, chief executive Gigi Levy said: "888 continues to expand its
innovative product offering, diversify its geographical footprint with a
localised customer experience and extend its multi-channel customer
acquisition and retention campaigns.