Nambling Notes | Feb. 12, 2009

NEWCOMER In March, Barrière Hotels & Casinos will launch a 3D casino for the United Kingdom, the French casino operator announced on Thursday.

Brought to market by Barrière Interactive Gaming, the online subsidiary of Lucien Barrière Hotels & Casinos, the company said LeCroupier.com will be an online destination where customers use life-like avatars to interact with other players at real-money table and slot games. Play-for-fun games will also be available for those 18 years or older.

Inspired by Lucien Barrière’s own bricks-and-mortar casinos, the game will be an exact replica of the world-famous casino in Deauville, according to the company.

“With our 47-year heritage in managing 40 land-based casinos, LeCroupier.com is uniquely positioned to provide the best online casino in the market,” said Jon Strock, chief operating officer of LeCroupier.com, in a prepared statement.

“Anyone entering LeCroupier.com will be able to immerse themselves in the same fun and sophisticated environment they would enjoy in the real-life Lucien Barrière casino in Deauville,” Mr. Strock added.

Further games including poker, betting and a mobile version are planned for release throughout 2009.

GAINING STRENGTH? Following Centrebet International Ltd.’s bid last week to acquire a substantial stake in International All Sports Ltd., or IAS, the Melbourne company posted its half-year results on Monday with a 2.75 percent year-over-year increase in turnover.

For the six months period ending in Dec. 31, 2008, the bookmaker brought in 599.4 million Australian dollars -- up from last year’s turnover of 583.4 million Australian dollars.

The Australian company’s pre-tax net profit soared 664 percent year over year -- going from 480,000 Australian dollars to 3.68 million Australian dollars. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization was posted at 5.02 million Australian dollar from 1.92 million Australian Dollars, which showed a 161 percent year-over-year increase.

DIVING INTO LIVE Celton Manx Ltd. is bringing the live dealer experience to its online casino.

The company said on Thursday that it’s the first Isle of Man operator to gain approval to launch the new product.

“It will not only significantly increase and accelerate our development here in the Isle of Man but also adds to the e-gaming opportunities in the Island’s e-business sector,” said Bill Mummery, the company’s executive director, in a prepared statement.

SIGNING Inspired Gaming Group’s virtual racing product will be rolled out in nearly 2,000 Gala Coral Group outlets, the company said on Wednesday.

In a new agreement with the Gibraltar gaming company, Inspired will supply its Virtual Racing Platinum product across the entire Gala coral estate.

The server-based gaming company also recently signed deals with Stan James and Stanleybet International.

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