by Anton Johan
The London listed 888 Holdings released its second quarter figures this
year, showing good numbers overall. The group also announced that it was eyeing
the US online poker market, as well as expansion into Spain.
Year on year revenues grew by 29% to $79 million, according to the group.
Particularly pleasing was 888's increase in poker revenues by 58%, which it
attributed to the new Poker 6 platform.
Since this platform, aimed to attract casual players, was launched, the
number of active customers has risen by 90% to over 230,000.
888 also said that casino revenues jumped sharply by 34% in comparison to the
previous year. The number of active players across 888's casino sector grew by
134% to 159,000.
"This quarter has seen strong performance in B2C for 888,
especially in poker and casino," said the Deputy Chairman of 888, Brian
Mattingley. "We have been as focused as ever on our goals - further bolstering
our B2C performance and leveraging our industry leading offerings, while
maintaining our Dragonfish brand presence and B2B deal pipeline."
Eyeing Nevada and Spain
888 also noted that it was eyeing an entrance into the online
poker market in Nevada, and it is currently in the final stages of negotiation
with Caesars Entertainment Corp. The group said that it would make its final
decision about applying for an internet poker license in Nevada by autumn.
Last month, Nevada passed a law allowing internet poker if it is
also approved by the federal government.
Mattingley said that 888 would consider debt funding if it
required the money to expand into Nevada and Spain, however, at present, the
group doesn't need such funding.
"It's just we don't want to miss no-brainer opportunities as
they arise," said the deputy chairman.
