Virgin Bets offline

[jetset]

ALL BETS OFF FOR VIRGIN SPORTS WEBSITE

Revamp in progress on Internet sportsbet site

Only a few months after its end-May 2007 launch (see previous InfoPowa reports) Virgin Games's Virgin Bets offering has closed for a revamp to a "new and improved product" according to website notices up this week.

The notice informs visitors: "We would like to thank all those who have supported us in the past. Virgin Games have decided to shut down our Sport Betting website in the short term. We are working on a new and improved betting product and we will let you all know as soon as it is ready to take bets.

"If you have an account enquiry or you'd like to ask us a question, please contact Virgin Games using the following email address: betsresponse@virgingames.com

"If you’re looking for a punt in the meantime why not try your hand at poker, casino or bingo? Whatever your game is, we've got it all at virgingames.com.

"Thanks for betting with Virgin Bets, see you again soon."

At the end of May last year Virgin launched the site, saying it was designed to capitalise on the growing public interest in entertainment and ‘novelty’ bets.

"Virgin Bets aims to offer a straightforward betting service for people looking for a bit of entertainment, whether they want a casual punt on the UEFA Champions League or a fun flutter on the winner of this year’s Big Brother," the statement said.

Virgin Bets was created in association with betting exchange giant Betfair targeted on markets in Entertainment, Football, Cricket, Golf, Greyhounds, Motor Sport, Rugby and Tennis, with Horseracing to be added later.

Simon Burridge, CEO of Virgin Games, said at the time: “Virgin Bets is designed to be as simple as possible so that casual players who are put off by the complexity of traditional online gambling will find it easy and fun to place their bets. Also, because we have partnered with Betfair, most of the time our odds will be better value than traditional bookies, meaning punters can place their bets with confidence that they are getting the best deal.”