23-05-2007 Virgin Games launches Virgin Bets in partnership with Betfair

The site will offer betting on popular UK sports such as cricket and golf as well as on novelty and entertainment markets. Simon Burridge, CEO of Virgin Games, commented: "Virgin Games is all about fun, so novelty betting is a good fit for the brand. Although entertainment betting is seen as a sideline by most of the traditional bookies, we believe it is a market with huge potential."

"Betfair's exchange will allow Virgin Bets to enable a range of sports and entertainment betting and ensure that the service offers the best value to its customers," added Mathias Entenmann, MD of Betfair Exchange.

In Australia, Betfair announced a product fee and integrity agreement with the National Rugby League. Under the agreement, Betfair will give the NRL access to its betting records in exchange. The NRL will also receive a share of revenue generated by Betfair through Rugby League. "Betfair’s agreement is one which we would like to see extended to other betting operators to assist both the sports and the transparency across sports betting operators," said the NRL Chief Executive David Gallop.