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Copyright 2004 Centaur Communications
Ltd.
New Media Age
August 26, 2004
HEADLINE: Blue Square eyes up other bookmakers
for exchange
BODY:
Blue Square could try to persuade other bookmakers
to link into a betting exchange network if it goes ahead with
its takeover of the Sporting Options exchange, in a deal that
could be confirmed as early as today (Thursday).
The Rank-owned bookmaker is entering its most
ambitious expansion phase yet, having launched an online casino
last week and with an online
poker room due next month.
The possible takeover places Blue Square at
the forefront of the long- awaited move by traditional bookmakers
into the betting exchange market. Several sources close to the
deal have indicated that it's likely to try to get other bookmakers
to join the exchange as white- label clients to improve liquidity
on its markets.
Blue Square has refused to confirm or deny
reports of the potential £4m bid. But Sporting Options founder
Kevin Griffiths confirmed "We are in talks and it looks likely
that we'd do a deal."
Other exchange operators say they're determined
to stay independent. But Betdaq CEO Rob Hartnett suggested his
firm could also partner with bookmakers.
At the same time, Blue Square has finally
followed its peers into the online casino and poker
market. The casino is being provided by WagerWorks. However, Blue
Square has opted for Tribeca Tables' Apex Poker Network for its
poker room.
This network also includes Victor Chandler, Golden Palace Casino
and Platinum Poker.
Blue Square spokesman Ed Pownall said that
the reason for its slow entry into the casino and poker markets
was the amount of integration work required. Customers will be
able to use a single account across the sports book, casino and
poker.
"The same account is crucial in our view," added Pownall.
In a further development, the firm is also
expanding its mobile service with the launch of its Hi Lo game,
Aces High, on the platform.
bluesq.com
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