Gaming News from Around the Globe

WorldSpreads in Fraud Inquiry (The Telegraph)

City of London police have been asked to investigate an alleged fraud at spread-better WorldSpreads. The company was put into administration late on Sunday after a £13m “black hole” was found in the accounts, putting around 15,000 clients – mostly retail customers – at risk of losing almost half their money.

London Olympic Organisers and Bookmakers to Hold Betting Summit (The Guardian)

Organisers of the London Olympics will meet leading UK bookmakers on Tuesday in an effort to tackle the threat of illegal gambling scandals during the Games.

William Hill and Playtech Joint Venture 'Needs to Change’ (The Guardian)

William Hill has said its strong-performing joint venture with Aim-listed Playtech, which now generates almost 40% of the bookmaker's operating profits, must change.

Betfair Rallies as £50M is Staked on Epic Final (Express UK)

A “BEST EVER” Australian Open tennis final served up an ace rise in revenues for gambling firm Betfair over the past three months.

Ecuador Gambling Ban Comes Into Force (AFP via Yahoo News)

The slot machines have fallen silent at Quito's largest and last-standing casino after Ecuador's new anti-gambling law came into effect at midnight, with warnings the ban could drive gambling underground.

Internet Bookmakers to Pay Taxes for First Time (Independent.ie)

With only two days to go to this year's Cheltenham festival, it has emerged that online bookmakers operating in Ireland will be liable for the same betting taxes as high-street shops, to allow the horse racing industry pay for itself, the Sunday Independent has learned.