Ladbrokes link - Astra Changes + More News

Ladbrokes linked to possible 888 bid

Shares in online gaming group 888 Holdings have received a boost following news that UK bookmaker Ladbrokes may make a bid for the company.

Shares were up 8.6 per cent at 120p this morning, valuing the group at more than £400m.

Ladbrokes confirmed on Sunday that the company was in the early stages of reviewing a possible transaction involving 888.

888 listed in September 2005, with an offer price of 175 pence a share and market value of around £590m.

PartyGaming is also looking to buy Austrian-based Bwin, according to reports, despite having to lay off 800 workers in India last week.

Singer steps down as William Hill COO

William Hill chief operating officer and executive director Tom Singer has stepped down from the board following a review of the company's key executive roles.

Singer will leave the UK bookmakers with immediate effect, while chief executive officer David Harding will integrate his duties.

William Hill chairman Charles Scott, said: "On behalf of the board I would like to thank Tom for the contribution he has made to William Hill since IPO, both as finance director and, more recently, as chief operating officer. We wish Tom every success in the future."

In a statement, Singer said that he had enjoyed "six stimulating years" at the company, and was looking forward to a fresh professional challenge.

Astra announces structural changes

UK-based Astra Games, part of the Novomatic Group, has announced two major structural changes within the company as part of its preparation for 2007.

Clive Barrett has joined the Bridgend-based company as general manager, while marketing executive Richard Barr will expand his role by taking responsibility for sales of Novomatic’s UK casino arm, Novo Casino UK.

Barrett has a wealth of industry experience having previously worked for Maygay, Hallam Plastics and Secal. Taking responsibility for production, purchasing and mechanical engineering, he will report directly to managing director Neil Chinn.

"The team at Astra is an exciting blend of youth, enthusiasm and experience, and with an established or growing presence in 13 markets, I'm looking forward to bringing my knowledge and expertise to what I believe is a driving force in the UK industry," Barrett said.

Richard Barr has been in a marketing role with Astra for five years, incorporating marketing of the Novo Casino UK brand since 2004. "The current casino climate presents a relishing challenge, with the introduction of the Gaming Act 2005 expanding the market twofold in September 2007," he said.

"I'm looking forward to increasing the presence of the Novo Casino UK brand and building on the Novomatic values of reliability, quality and pedigree to deliver superior products and services to our gaming partners."

Ladbrokes eyes Italian market

Ladbrokes, the UK’s largest bookmaker is thought to be in the process of buying three betting shops in Turin, Italy.

The purchases are the first in a joint venture with native operator Pianeta Scommesse in August, which CEO Chris Bell hoped would help the group build an estate of around 200 shops in the country and eventually add £20m to group profits.

News of the deal is expected later in the week, when Ladbrokes posts a trading update.

The betting company is still evaluating a bid for the online gaming firm 888.com, according to reports.

More suitors line up for Tote

Two new contenders have joined the race to acquire the UK’s state-owned bookmaker The Tote, according to separate reports.

John Heaton, former Tote CEO, told Reuters that his new company, Interactive Gaming Holdings, would be interested in bidding for the Tote's 540 betting shops.

The Express newspaper, meanwhile, has linked global investment bank Goldman Sachs Group to a potential bid.

Privatisation of the organisation has been a Labour manifesto commitment since 2001.

However, an attempt last year to sell the bookmaker was blocked by the European Commission after a pricing dispute.

Following the ruling, the government had The Tote valued at approximately £400 million.

Earlier this month Gala Coral said it was prepared to pay £405 million for the company, while other companies that have been previously linked to potential bids include Northern Racing and Arena Leisure, both of which have subsequently pulled out of the race.

The Tote's current management have also been reported in the media as possible bidders.

Source: eCoinOp News

Note Acceptor Fraud

Those with Astra S16 machines will need the new kit issue from Astra, either directly from them or via your distributor.

Credits can be gained from the note entry by a new trick.

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Thomas Change Machine Update

1.New Bank of England £20 Banknote (model: 1000, 1006, all 3000 & 4000 series plus 5001)
The Bank of England announced today (30.10.06) that it will be releasing a completely new design of £20 banknote in “Spring 2007”

We have had samples of this new banknote for several months and have been working with the suppliers of the banknote readers we use in our products to include it in the banknote acceptance software

All machines manufactured by us on or after 30.10.06 and accepting BoE banknotes will have acceptance of this new banknote included in their software – when the new banknote is released, you will not need to do anything to achieve acceptance



In the case of machines manufactured prior to 30.10.06, please contact our Service & Support Team for advice on how to implement acceptance of the new banknote - contact details are:

Tel: 0700 4 HOTLINE (468 54 63)
Tel: 01509 219912
Tel: 0845 130 4444 (local rate)
fax us at:


Fax: 01509 266836
or e-mail us at:

service@thomasa.co.uk
2. Software News
Latest software releases are:

Ardac WACS Eagle (red Thomas label)

Model
Version
Update

England / Scotland 57x2000.22-045.32.17 Includes new BoE £20

Ardac 5 (blue Thomas label)

Model
Version
Update

England / Scotland 57x2000.22-045.32.17 Includes new BoE £20

Innovative Technology NV Series Readers

Model
Version
Update

NV10 3.19-028 Latest Firmware
NV10 GBP0610400 Includes new BoE £20

For further information see: http://innovative-technology.co.uk/english/support.html

For further information or advice on the above or any other matter, would you please either speak to one of our Service & Support Centre Team on our Service Hotline:
Tel: 0700 4 HOTLINE (468 54 63)
Tel: 01509 219912
Tel: 0845 130 4444 (local rate)