The European Commission has condemned Germany’s draft State Treaty on gaming, which has been proposed by the Federal German States, finding it incompatible with European law on a number of fronts. This is the second time the Commission has made a statement on Germany’s position, the first time being in March this year, when it investigated the ban on online sports betting and found it to be out of line with European law.

Preparations are underway for the innovative Touch of Sports tournament, which now includes an amazing 46 countries. “Qualifying games for player events, cups and certificates are part of our practised brand strategy and thus go hand in hand with the product as well as a new update,” says Josef Öhlinger, CEO. “Every two years we carry out the Photo Play World Games during which the world’s best Photo Play players are determined,” he adds.

Bally Wulff Automaten GMBH (i.e. Bally Wulff Gaming Machines) has been renamed Bally Wulff Entertainment.This is a logical step, according to the company, which underwent a restructure boosted by the appointment of Axel Herr.

Those who know the German language will tell you that the German word Pfeil means arrow in English. NRI is celebrating the return of its arrow to further strengthen its sales team, that of Mr. Michael Pfeil. Michael has many years of experience in the payment systems market with both payment systems manufacturers and distributors.

During the Malaga show, the Gauselmann Group won the award “Foreign business of the year”. Michael Gauselmann (pictured) accepted the award during a special lunch ceremony, making his thanks in Spanish and pointing out some important landmarks in the company’s history.

Dr. Franz Wohlfahrt, CEO of Novomatic Group, has announced that Uwe Christiansen of NSM-Löwen Entertainment GmbH has resigned effective 30 April 2007.

Giant Austrian-listed betting group Bwin Interactive believes it has spotted a loophole in the Czech law, which currently bans domestic companies from providing internet betting services. Bwin claims that the existing law only serves to block domestic companies and does not cover those operating from abroad.

According to Axel F. Pawlas, CSO Merkur Gaming, the 19th Enada Spring in Rimini last month was a big success all down the line for Merkur Gaming. In addition to the unique Merkur Gaming product innovations the extension of the current gaming regulation “Comma 6“ for installing AWP machines until 15 September 2007 contributed decisively to this success.

For the year 2006, the Gauselmann Group reports a total consolidated turnover for the three company sectors of Euro 1.001bn. Compared with the year 2005 (732 million Euro) this means an increase of 37 per cent. The total volume of business, according to company information, was around Euro 1.33bn.

At the end of 2006, Bally Wulff started a dialogue offensive within the sector. The aim of the Berlin company is to secure "a completely new relationship with our customers" and to open itself to experiences from other leisure sectors. Since : "We do not wish to preside over a gradual decline. We want to make the connection to entertainment. And for this we need the courage to make constant changes."