If you have been following the business dealings within the online gambling community, you have probably heard a lot about the planned Playtech-Ladbrokes merger. It’s kind of a big deal because it would combine one of the largest online bookmakers with one of the top casino and gambling software developers.

As you can imagine, the move to strengthen Ladbrokes isn’t loved by their competitors, most notably William Hill, who operates both a sports book and an online casino. What William Hill has that other competitors don’t, though, is the ability to stop this merger.

William Hill has filed an injunction to block the merger and the court has upheld the injunction on a temporary basis. William Hill has a joint venture partnership with Playtech, with the software company working with William Hill Online, its casino. William Hill owns 71% of the joint venture.

It has been reported that Playtech offered to restructure their deal with William Hill. It seems that William Hill has declined. The injunction prevents Playtech from selling any of its software to Ladbrokes. In addition, it also prevents any restructuring of the joint venture between William Hill and Playtech. The companies signed a five-year deal in October of 2008, but next year William Hill would have the option of buying out Playtech. In the meantime, the two companies will work together in the joint venture, which was created to revitalize William Hill’s then-struggling casino (something it has accomplished).

Ladbrokes is already one of William Hill’s top competitors. When Ladbrokes announced its intentions earlier this month to merge with Playtech and create a £2.2 billion online gambling company, many wondered if William Hill would try to block the move.

So much news about Playtech is coming out today that I don’t even know where to begin. With a regulated market on the way in France, Playtech CEO Mor Weizer told EGRMagazine that they are “ready to roll out a stand-alone poker network in France.” But they’re not alone as PartyGaming is also planning on entering the French online casino market.

In stock news, though they reported a July profits warning, Playtech is reporting a 4 percent rise in their stock, Reuters reported. “New licensees, regulated market growth and a broadening product range should be seen as upgrade catalysts,” said Collins Stewart.

“The group looks excellent value trading at just 11.3 times 2009 estimated EPS (9.2 times 2010). Furthermore, the group has net cash of 49 million euros and offers a dividend yield to 2009 estimate of 4.6 percent (5.3 percent 2010),” said Daniel Stewart. “None of the trading multiples fairly reflect the market-leading software and major licensees established by the group.”

No wonder the founder of Playtech can bone Leonardo DiCaprio’s girlfriend and be minimally attractive at the same time. I do wonder though, if Playtech is spreading itself too thin. Can they take on this much? They are a major player in the online casino industry…but licensing around the world AND boning Leonardo DiCaprio’s girlfriend? The latter of the two would keep me too busy for any of this online casino stuff.

Last week, Play United online casino announced that they were releasing two new online slots designed by Playtech. The new games, Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk, are part of the Marvel brand that is increasingly popular with online slots. Marvel branded products, from movies to toys to birthday party favors, have been extremely popular ever since the first X-Men movie was released in 2000. Play United online casino hopes to cash in on that popularity, despite the fact that the new slots are based on two of the least interesting Marvel characters. At least it’s not the Fantastic Four. Iron Man at least had a decent movie.

The new online slots will have “thrilling bonus rounds, advanced graphics and realistic audio,” according to Play United. Their previous Marvel-branded online slots, including X-Men, Blade and the Punisher, have been popular with online gamers due to the animations and bonus rounds, so it could be safe to expect the same from the new titles.

Playtech isn’t the only company designing Marvel-themed online slots. Cryptologic, one of their major competitors, also has a licensing agreement with Marvel and has released its own games for The Hulk, X-Men, Blade and more.

I still think that the game designers need to branch out and go with more risque comics, such as Hooper LaMante’s famous White Hating Coon or the ever-popular Vampire Dinosaur? I’m just thinking outside the box, people. Personally, I would love to see online slots based on The Adventures of Martin Miggs, the Mad Muggle or maybe even Amazing Midget Radio Comics. Playtech, get on it. Thank me later.

Cryptologic had a novel idea. Their revenues were down so they did something about it. The online game designer has seen a long-term fall in its revenue so they decided to restructure the company and cut costs. By slashing operating expenses by 25% each year and expanding their gaming licenses, Cryptologic has stopped the free fall and has put themselves in a position for a more profitable future. The company reported a 40% drop in total revenue, due in part to long-term Asian investments and William Hill heading to Playtech’s iPoker, prompting the cost-cutting measures.

Profits have been slowed by a slower than expected release of their new games, but by cutting operating costs and signing those new contracts, seemingly one a week for a while, Cryptologic has dug themselves out of a hole and leveled out their revenue. The new licensing resulted in a 21% growth in revenue over the last quarter over its casino licensing business.

Cryptologic can stand as an example for other companies. They did what companies used to do before they started asking the government to save them. They looked at their situation and determined what needed to be done to become profitable. If only GM had been capable of that.

You’ve got to spend money to make money right? Gamynia Limited has just purchased the World Poker Tour for a whopping $9.075 million plus a cut of future revenues. The acquisition also includes the complete library of World Poker Tour episodes and “the sponsorship of Seasons Four, Five, and Six of the World Poker Tour and Season One of the Professional Poker Tour by Party Gaming and the license of Season Seven of the World Poker Tour to PokerStars.”

The sale has still yet to be completed and awaits approval of the WPTE stockholders, of which 39% are already on board. World Poker Tour’s parent company plans to use the profits from the sale for business ventures that are not related to poker.

“The World Poker Tour as a stand-alone entity has struggled to find the appropriate place for its stockholders in this fast evolving market. The World Poker Tour brand continues to grow around the world and has managed to make casinos and online gambling concerns cooperate in unique and mutually beneficial ways. In Gamynia, we have found a partner that already understands and fosters a spirit of cooperation in the online marketplace.” WPT Enterprises President and CEO, Steve Lipscomb said, “After the transaction, WPTE will move forward under a new name and will employ our cash in a new venture by developing a new business or combining, through one or more strategic transactions, with companies that have significant unrealized value or growth potential.”

Gamynia has also acquired Hardway Investments whose client list is nothing short of impressive with names like Playtech, Casino Tropez, Titan Poker and Europa Casino. Gamynia plans to, “seek to exploit and develop the WPT brands with the goal of maximizing future revenue opportunities.”

The World Poker Tour is currently filming its 8^th season for Fox Sports Net where its next tournament begins on August 22^nd from Bicycle Casino in Los Angeles.

Other titles for this article: “Playtech Head Taking Over Leo’s Slots” or “Bar Rafaeli: Playtech Founder Hopes to Poker.”

Reports are circulating that Leonardo DiCaprio’s supermodel ex Bar Rafaeli is dating Playtech founder Teddy Sagi. Most likely, they are circulating from Teddy Sagi’s bedroom as if I looked like him, I would be calling everyone in the phone book and breaking the status bar on my Facebook bragging about bedding Bar Rafaeli. That being said, does anyone understand why a rich, successful and gorgeous woman feels she still has to date men for their money? I’m not saying she’s dating him for his money, but I’ve seen a picture of him and I think if he was the guy stocking shelves at Target the sparks would not be flying. But alas, he is the 30^th richest man in Israel, which is like saying you’re the 30^th skinniest person in Somalia.

So a bit about these two “love birds.” Teddy Sagi is 34 years old, founded online gambling software firm Playtech and sold 25% of the company for $250 million. He still owns a 40% stake in the company so it doesn’t look like he’ll be running out of dough any time soon.

Rafaeli looks way younger than 34 years old was modeling in major fashion campaigns and commercials by the age of 15. She has appeared in Elle, Maxim, GQ and Sports Illustrated. Though I hear that she is very intelligent which is why Teddy Sagi is dating her. And as Sagi is known as one of the rare software developers for having a keen wit and a charming twinkle in his eye, these two are a match made in heaven. I’m kidding. I can’t even type that sentence with a straight face.

So to wrap this all up. Leo’s Ex’s turn ons include: cash, money, legal tender and financial security. Meanwhile, Teddy Sagi is the smartest, luckiest computer nerd. Meanwhile, Leonardo DiCaprio laughs to himself as half a dozen other bikini models swing from his junk as he remembers that the only difference between having $50 million in the bank and $500 million is how far out of touch from reality your grand-kids will be.

A note to Ms. Rafaeli: Should you decide that filthy disgusting rich Playtech moguls are not your speed, but maybe want to slow dance to Debbie Gibson in the dark with someone involved in the online gambling industry I know a guy at Gamblingreview.com. Hint: His name rhymes with “Clicky Tower.”

Apparently, Playtech is a big fan of all things involving armored men wielding swords. Already offering the popular Gladiator online slot, online gaming software developer Playtech has a new slot with a spartan theme. The online slot is cleverly named Sparta. The Spartans are known for many things, including funky plumed helmets, fighting off a much larger Persian force at the battle of Thermopylae, and being the mascot for Michigan State University. Sports fans in Ann Arbor don’t have to worry, though, the Sparta game has no collegiate affiliation.

The 5-reel, 30-payline online slot has coin denominations from 1 cent to 5 dollars and players can wager up to 10 coins per line, meaning the maximum wager is $1,500. Maximum payout if $200,000. The game features various Spartan symbols, including soldiers, swords and catapults. Scatter symbols of the Spartan army can earn the player 15 free spins with double points. Riskier players have the opportunity to go double or nothing on their entire win or on half of their winnings.

After releasing the online slot based on Academy Award-winning Gladiator, releasing a Spartan game seemed like the next logical step. Spartan history and culture has seen a surge in interest thanks to the popularity of the Zack Snyder film 300, despite the fact that it’s a terrible movie. Just imagine how popular Playtech’s Sparta game will be if anyone releases a good Spartan movie. Sparta can be played at any of Playtech’s affiliated online casinos.

If you’re like me and you enjoy Ridley Scott movies, or you just like movies with men in skirts and sandals, then you should head to Play United online casino. Gladiator, an online slot machine based on the Oscar-winning film of the same name, is a fun way to play online video slots. The officially-licensed game features symbols of Joaquin Phoenix and Djimon Hounsou, among others. Russell Crowe, who played the lead role in the film, is nowhere to be found, though, probably for contractual reasons.

Gladiator, designed by software giant Playtech, is a 5-reel, 25-payline online slot featuring two bonus games, free games, and the chance to win up to 90 times your wager. Upon signing up for Play Unlimited online casino, new users can earn up to $750 in a welcome gift. Fans of online slots will enjoy the special effects and ancient Roman scenery. Luckily, Playtech decided to make a game out of a good movie like Gladiator rather than terrible sword-and-sandals movies like Troy or Alexander. I’m still trying to repress the 3 hours I spent watching Alexander from my memory. But what I really want to know is, where is my Braveheart slot machine? Aside from Mel Gibson’s mug, the game can feature symbols of blue-painted faces and Scots mooning the English. Get on it, Playtech.

It’s good to know that America isn’t the only country where people love to file frivolous lawsuits just for the fun of it. Apparently, the English do it every now and then as well. This week, England’s High Court ruled on behalf of the defendant, Playtech, a major online gambling software developer, who was accused by rival Cranway of patent infringement. Cranway’s suit alleged that Playtech infringed on a patent for online gambling invention for an “interactive, real time, realistic ‘home’ gaming system using general purpose computers. Aspects of the invention concern auditing and security to ensure fairness for players and prevent players defeating the outcome of a game; fast, efficient communication to enable reliable, low cost, real time, realistic operation; accounting; and enabling players to play a variety of games.”

All grammatical mistakes aside, Cranway’s “invention” sounds a little on the vague side. Isn’t it common sense to want online casinos to be safe and fair? Playtech’s defense was basically that the claimed invention was not new, the claimed invention was obvious, and the claimed invention wasn’t an invention at all. Speaking on behalf of Playtech was Ian Leslie, Professor of Computer Science at Cambridge Computer Laboratory. Leslie stated that Cranway’s patent described “the functionality of the system rather than the details of its design.” He argued that it therefore could not be considered a patent.

The Honorable Justice Lewison (yes, the judge is really named “Justice”) ruled that the patent was invalid, but that if it had been and ruled in favor of Playtech. It is not known whether Cranways immediately fired the person who wrote the language of their patent.  Online gamblers can rest easy. Playtech is still allowed to protect you.