The introduction of a more open regulated market in Denmark may have faltered over tax issues raised by land operators, but state gambling monopoly Danske Spil is planning ahead for the advent of the new dispensation.

The company has announced that it is to split its operations into three units in an organisational restructuring aimed at more dedicated focusing.

One division will be tasked with handling the more open market for sports betting, poker and casino; another will continue to target the monopolised market, including lottery, scratch games, horse racing and bingo, and the third division will concern itself with the video lottery terminal sector.

The company has not yet revealed with which software supplier it will engage in regard to the online sports betting, casino and poker operations.

The restructuring will involve management changes that reportedly include the hiring of two managing directors.

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The bad news for Gibraltar-domiciled online gambling operators over the weekend was that the government intends lifting their tax rate from 1% to 10% from next year.

The UK newspaper The Guardian reported the hike, revealing that the local industry employs 2,000 people , or 12% of the workforce, and has helped to insulate the local economy against Spain’s harsh economic climate.

Gibraltar’s low tax rate has attracted many leading online gambling companies to its shores, most recently the internet divisions of Ladbrokes and William Hill, which moved from the UK and its high taxation in order to better compete with offshore rivals.

The Guardian report reveals that in 2009 the Gibraltar government add €12.4 million to its coffers from online gambling company taxes, and that n 2011 his will incease tenfold when the gaming concerns are brought into the same tax regime as other businesses.

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U.S. District Court Judge Nanette Laughrey sentenced six men for their roles in a $3.5 million illegal online sports gambling operation. Bettors were provided with a toll-free number and two website addresses through which wagers were placed using account numbers and passwords, reports the Kansas City Star.

A Costa Rican company managed the phone number and the web server. Sentences handed down were:

Gerlarmo Cammisano (57) of Kansas City – 14 months in prison

Vincent F. Civella (53) of Kansas City – 8 months in prison

Anthony V.Sansone (28), Michael C.Sanasone (31), Michael V.Badalucco (27) – all of Kansas City each received three years probation.

Charles J.

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Heavy snow, freezing temperatures and disrupted road and rail commuter traffic have all been features of the early and unexpectedly bitter UK winter his year, with many seeking entertainment at home in preference to venturing out into the inclement weather.

Online bingo operators could benefit from the news that their land counterparts have been experiencing a serious downturn in attendances at bingo halls, with several venues reporting declines in players as high as 80%.

Clubs in the North-East and Scotland have been hit particularly hard by freezing temperatures while Yorkshire has experienced weather-induced public transport problems.

Media surveys of 50 bingo clubs around the nation found that seven major clubs had closed their doors during the week commencing 29 November with health and safety concerns at the forefront of club managers’ minds.

The advertising department of PokerStars has had a rough time lately. First Germany banned a television commercial for being too violent and misrepresenting the experience of visiting a brick and mortar casino within the country. Now New Zealand’s highest court has ruled that their advertisements in South Pacific nation are illegal.

In New Zealand, gambling online for real money is only legal if done with the Totalisator Agency Board (TAB), the partially state-run monopoly. New Zealand citizens are not allowed to gamble with any other websites, including overseas operators. T

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West Ham United are at betting odds of 3/1 to follow up Tuesday night’s heroic Carling Cup victory over Manchester United with a win away at Sunderland. It is 10/11 the Black Cats prevail and the draw is priced up at odds of 12/5.

Arsenal and Chelsea are both at home against opposition at the lower end of the table and are at odds of 2/7 and 4/11 respectively. It is 10/1 Fulham come away from the Emirates with all three points. The Toffees are at betting odds of 13/2 to record and unlikely win at Stamford Bridge.

Alex Donohue, spokesperson of Ladbrokes, said: “West Ham could turn their season around with a result at the Stadium of Light. Read the full post …