PETER DICKS REAPPOINTED SPORTINGBET CHAIRMAN

25 January 2008

New financial director joins UK online gambling group, too


Peter Dicks (65), the man who made the headlines in 2006 when he was arrested on a Louisiana state sealed warrant whilst visiting New York, is back with Sportingbet. The respected businessman, whose 2006 extradition to Louisiana was blocked by the governor's office in New York, was subsequently relieved of all future harassment by resigning from the Sportingbet board, whilst the company paid a $400 000 settlement to Louisiana authorities to make the warrant go away.

This week the experience and diplomacy of the veteran businessman, who was chairman from January 2000 through to his 2006 troubles, was again brought into the Sportingbet fold when Dick accepted the appointment of non-executive chairman with effect from 1 February.

Sportingbet has also appointed 41 year old James Wilkinson as Group Finance Director, again with effect from February 1st. Wilkinson brings extensive listed company and finance experience to Sportingbet, having previously been Group Finance Director of Johnson Service Group plc from 2004 - 2007. Prior to that he worked at Informa Group plc for ten years in a variety of roles culminating in the position of Group Finance Director from 1998 - 2004. James started his career at Touche Ross where he qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1991.

Andrew McIver, CEO of Sportingbet, commented: "I am delighted to welcome both Peter and Jim to the Group. Subsequent to our complete exit from the US market following the passing of the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act in October 2006 we embarked on a significant restructuring of the business. This is now largely finished and with these two appointments we complete the personnel changes we wished to make as part of that restructuring.

"The restructuring and other initiatives we have undertaken since October 2006 provide the Group with a solid foundation from which to deliver future growth. Current trading is encouraging and we are confident we are on track to meet full year expectations."

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