(1.3MB)Company Overview
Americas
Prior to its disposal post year end, continued growth in our US-facing business during the year saw registered customer numbers reach 1.1m, with well over 120,000 monthly active players during peak season.
The North American brand range operated with each brand having its own unique appeal and personality. Sportsbook.com is the market leader and was strongly supported by others including SportingbetUSA, Aces.com and Wallstreet.com.
Paradise Poker
Prior to the closure of its US-facing business post year end, Paradise Poker was firmly established as one of the top three global poker brands. Innovative marketing campaigns during 2006 captured the imagination of the public, driving up player numbers and revenues.
During the year, 350 Paradise Poker players battled it out to win a share of the $1 million prize pool in our first live tournament on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Over 50,000 people seized the chance to become a millionaire, playing in the world’s first free-to-enter ‘$1 million tournament’.
Australia
The success of the ‘Socceroos’ in the 2006 World Cup fuelled a huge increase in soccer betting in our Australian business. Sportingbet Australia is now the most visited betting site in Australia.
Horse racing remains the leading betting sport with Australian Rules football and rugby tucked in on the rails closely behind.
The new and enhanced functionality of the latest release of our Sportingbet Australian website was well received by our customers, contributing to the rapid expansion of both the telephone and internet channels of our licensed Australian business.
Europe
With over 1.3m registered customers placing 200m bets this year, our European business continues to go from strength to strength. It is now the largest Sportingbet region in terms of bet volumes.
We strive to give all our players an exceptional level of customer service. We offer telephone, email and live chat support in 26 languages on a 24/7 basis. We measure and constantly try to improve upon the service we offer. This year 90% of customer phone calls were answered within three rings and we responded to all email queries within a maximum of two hours.