888 reports gaming revenues up

Internet gaming firm 888 Holdings reported a 36% rise in net gaming revenues in its first full year without any business in the US.

The operator of Paradise Poker took 213 million US dollars (£109m) in the year to December 31, with its casino games winning 22% more in the company's fourth quarter, compared to its third.

The firm, which was hit by the US internet gaming ban in 2006, added its new 888Ladies bingo brand had started well.

The group lost more than half its revenues because of the US withdrawal, but has recovered ground through the launch of new casino and poker sites, partnering agreements and expansion in areas such as Latin America.

The Gibraltar-based firm said today its new bingo service, 888ladies - which offers game tutorials, an online community and chat tools - is seeing 'hundreds of new customers' signing up every day.

Chief executive Gigi Levy said "We are delighted with our results released today, our first full year of trading without any business in the US."

This year, the company also launched the World Poker Crown, a poker tournament with a $3m guaranteed prize, handicapped sport betting for Asia, Lucky Ace poker and Wink Bingo