Poker News Bytes, March 18, 2008

Bwin Motion Dismissed by German Court

Austria's bwin Interactive Entertainment AG, one of Europe's leading Internet-based gambling services, was disheartened by the German Federal Court of Justice's dismissal of a motion to suspend enforcement proceedings against bwin, connected to a judgment issued in favor of Germany's state-run lottery, Westlotto. Westlotto had pressed for enforcement of the February, 2006 decision after an initial bwin appeal was denied last year, prompted the motion made to the German Federal Court. Bwin has promised another appeal, but noted that the a final decision rendered against the company could have a "material adverse effect" on the firm's finances. Bwin remained confident, however, that infringement proceedings against Germany currently underway through European Union authorities would ultimately result in a decision favoring bwin, and reserved the right to seek damages in the event the German laws at the heart of Westlotto's case are found incompatible with EU trade agreements.

South Africa Online Gambling Plans Move Forward

South African citizens' hopes to gamble openly on the Internet moved forward this week with the passage of a planned regulatory bill to that nation's Select Committee of National Provinces. Internet gambling is currently illegal in South Africa, though it is practiced by untold thousands of residents, and several sites in fact cater to the South African market. If passed through committee, the bill's plans for regulation and online legalization would next move on to South Africa's National Assembly for a formal vote.

Poker Royalty Signs "The Stunning One"

A big week for leading poker-representation agency Poker Royalty continued with the announcement that Bill "The Stunning One" Edler had come to terms with the agency for the handling of worldwide management and marketing representation, including sponsorship, licensing and speaking appearances. Edler joins Patrik Antonius in signing a deal with Las Vegas-based Poker Royalty in recent days.