888.com takes to the air

[jetset]

ONLINE CASINO PLANS AN IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT TAKE-OFF

888.com laying the groundwork for entry into a new gambling market

One of the biggest online casinos in the online gambling business, 888.com could soon be on your in-flight screens following a deal with in-flight entertainment software developer, DTI.

The company is set to break into the new market as the first serious online casino in the booming in-flight entertainment industry, working through a partnership with DTI to offer games to airlines around the world.

The service will include the most popular 888 games including blackjack, roulette and slots among others. These will be available in both real money and free play mode on airlines served by DTI, depending on the flight routes and relevant regulatory environment.

DTI Software has more than twelve years of experience in the IFE industry. It provides in-flight entertainment services to most of the world's leading international airlines, including British Airways, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways. DTI is based in Montreal, Canada.

Gigi Levy, Chief Executive Officer of 888.com, said: "This venture represents a significant addition to our innovative 'every game; everywhere offering', alongside our Internet and mobile proposition, that clearly attracts entertainment consumers in more places every day. By partnering with DTI, the clear IFE market leader, we are redefining interactive gaming in flights and expanding even further our global reach."

"We took our time to make sure we would partner with the most recognized name and company in its field," said DTI's CEO Nicolas Belanger. He added: "The combination of 888.com expertise and know-how in online casino management and DTI Software's world leading expertise in non-traditional operating platforms and IFE content ensures a winning premise for great products that will soon be available to the IFE industry."

A leader in online gaming since 1997, the Gibraltar-based 888.com is recognised for its commitment to fair gaming and professionalism. The group was one of the founding members of eCOGRA, an independent standards authority for the online gaming industry which is committed to protecting online casino and poker players around the world. The non-profit organisation addresses the most important issues to players: fast payouts, fair gaming, responsive and efficient service and responsible operator conduct.

Gambling continues to grow as Britain's favourite pastime. Since 2003, there has been a 566 percent rise in the amount of money staked online - as revealed in the 888.com casino report this month. At present, 4 million UK visitors gamble online each month, with 29 percent of the British public having played at least one casino game.

DTI Software ( www.dtisoft.com ) was created in Montreal in 1995, and has been a pioneer in the creation of In-flight Entertainment (IFE) interactive applications. In close partnership with the major hardware providers of the industry, DTI has expanded its IFE offering to include Graphic User Interface (GUI) design, Interactive Games and Infotainment applications. With over 71 airline customers, DTI is the fastest growing provider of IFE games and applications in the industry and its product leadership has translated into market leadership.

The company boasts a wide catalogue of over 90 games and applications of which many operate with world-class licences and Licensors, such as Electronic Arts, The SimsTM, Disney (Buena Vista Games), BerlitzTM, TetrisTM, Atari classics, Hasbro classic games titles, Chess master Garry Kasparov, and Celador International (Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?TM), among others.