US crackdown benefits some

Analysts foretold that European gaming operator Bwin.party and Playtech could be amongst the biggest beneficiaries in the wake of the US authorities crackdown on internet gambling as players seek alternative venues to play poker and a surge in share prices in the London-listed betting firms certainly seems to be bearing-out those predictions.
In early afternoon trading (Monday) it was reported that Bwin.party’s share price had soared by 34 percent, 888 by 24 percent and Playtech by 11 percent.
Other European groups have turned their focus on aggressive marketing drives that match or better the affected US-facing sites’ promotions in a bid to attract available players who have been locked out and are looking for new places to play.
In related news, the first of the accuseds in the FBI’s internet poker crackdown, has appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Frank Maas today in a Manhattan Federal Court.
Bradley Franzen (41), an alleged payment processor, has been charged with conspiracy to violate the UIGEA, conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy and operating an illegal gambling business amongst others.  He is accused of creating phony companies and websites in order to fool banks into handling gambling proceeds disguised as online purchases of items such as golf balls and jewellery.
Franzen pleaded not guilty and has been released on a bond of $200 000.

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