This story is sponsored by 32Red Casino
Online casino 32 Red is to launch in Italy in the first half of this year after it received a licence earlier this month, it announced this morning.
32Red, which currently generates 75% of its business from the UK, plans to offer poker and bingo alongside its core casino products in Italy. An exact date for the launch for slot games in Italy - which currently only allows for the legal offer of casino table games - has not yet been confirmed by the Italian regulator AAMS but is expected to take place in the second half of 2012.
The Microgaming-powered casino operator made the announcement of its successful Italian licence application as it unveiled a stellar set of full-year results for 2011. Pre-tax profit more than doubled year-on-year to £2.12m, with revenue up 48% to £25m, and EBITDA by 70% to £2.8m.
Chief executive Ed Ware credited the growth primarily to “a rise in activity levels generated by increased and more effective marketing.” The operator gave special reference to the heightened brand exposure provided by its ongoing sponsorship of English Premier League football team Swansea City, which had resulted in “strong recruitment of new players”. The 32Red CEO also credited the “unrivalled level of customer service” in delivering greater player loyalty and higher yields.
32Red also provided an update on its trademark infringement case against William Hill over the latter’s use of the 32Vegas brand, in which the High Court found in 32Red’s favour in October 2010. An initial payment of costs associated with defending last April’s appeal by William Hill of £70,000 was made last month, with the remaining balance due to be paid to 32Red later in the year. The level of damages and liability for costs payable by William Hill to 32Red will be decided by a High Court inquiry process currently scheuduled for early next year.
32Red offers the full selection of Microgaming casino games to UK players. For more details, see our 32Red review page.
