Premier AG to Launch Online Casino In Germany.

The German online gambling scene could be about to get a shot in the arm, according to Sueddeutsche Zeitung, which this week quoted from company sources to reveal that Premiere AG has plans to enter the online casino sector, breaking into the German state monopoly.

The report says that Premiere has already engaged with major online gambling companies such as 888.com and Party Poker as it explores international possibilities but gives no further details. Premiere has had a dynamic few months, having recently launched a betting TV channel branded Premiere Win.

The report will no doubt attract the attention of the German authorities; the German Federal Constitutional Court sits in Karlsruhe soon to hear argument on whether the gambling market should be opened up to private companies.

Totesports Teams Up With Haymarket.

High Street bookmaker Totesport has teamed up with consumer publishing firm Haymarket to offer an Internet betting and gaming services to its readers.

The deal will see totesport.com provide jointly branded Internet betting services to a range of Haymarket titles including AutoCar, What Car, F1 Racing and Stuff magazine.

Each Haymarket online magazine site will display a tailored site from the bookmaker including a range of SP betting markets and access to pool betting from the 59 UK racecourses, operated by the Tote.

German Online Casino Eyes Europe.

Gaming VC, online casino serving German customers, is hoping to expand its operation into the lucrative markets of the wider European sector. The company, which is currently listed on the Alternative Index Market in London, is planning to roll out a new poker site across Europe as soon as possible.
The company floated on the stock-market in 2004 and then acquired Casino International NV soon after. Gaming VC, based in Luxembourg has been performing well in 2005, posting profit in excess of 11million euros. The company now wants to expand outside of Germany in search of even greener pastures.
“The launch of poker will enable Gaming VC to further extend its gaming product offerings within Europe,” Steve Barlow, CEO of Gaming VC said. “By working with Boss Media to launch a Poker offering, we will attract an even broader range of customers and deliver best-of-breed gaming in a regulatory compliant manner.”

Online Casino Sponsors Aston Villa Football Team.

Premier League club Aston Villa has agreed a sponsorship rights agreement with online gaming company, gtcasino.com.
As part of its associate sponsor package, gtcasino.com have also become Villa’s official casino and poker room partner, offering fans the chance to play and win.
It appointed the sponsorship consultancy Lighthouse Communications Ltd to initially undertake a strategic review of football, before negotiating and managing its associate sponsor package with Villa.
As a sponsor, gtcasino.com can use many of the club's communication channels including perimeter boards, programmes and online offerings.