(Reuters) - Online gambling groups PartyGaming and Bwin, long the subject of merger speculation, will complete a deal this summer, an Austrian magazine reported on Friday without citing sources.
'The merger should be wrapped up this summer,' Format magazine said, adding that talks had entered an 'intensive phase.'
Bwin was not immediately available for comment.
In December, Bwin denied a British newspaper report that it was in advanced merger talks with PartyGaming, and said it was not in such talks with any other partners. Bwin also said at the time it expected more sector consolidation.
'We will not comment on market speculation,' a PartyGaming spokesman said on Friday.
PartyGaming said last month it remained in talks over potential deal opportunities in a sector which analysts say is fragmented and rife for consolidation.


Reuters also reports that they will continue to be a pussy euro book as usual but just not as criminal.

I am willing to bet 500k that this poor bastard doesn't get 577 dollars.




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On gambling refs:
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The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was enacted into law in 2006. The proposed rule implementing the legislation was published for comment in October 2007. The Final Rule was issued on November 12, 2008.
When does my bank have to be in compliance with the Final Rule?
The Final Rule becomes effective on January 19th, 2009, but the more important date is December 1, 2009 when compliance becomes mandatory.
What will my bank have to do to comply with the Final Rule?
In general, the Final Rule imposes certain responsibilities on banks to demonstrate...

eGaming Review Magazine is reporting that Ivobank, which deals exclusively with the online gambling sector in Europe, has begun refusing new customers amidst reports of its delicate future.
Ivobank issued a statement this Tuesday saying that it would not accept new retail or corporate customers and that "further information will be made available to retail customers, suppliers, merchants and the media" as its "future strategic aims are developed".
The bank insisted that all monies remain safe and that funds can be withdrawn at any time. But many wonder what will happen assuming this news causes a "run on the...