PartyGaming has today released its preclose trading update for the second quarter 2009, which began on Apr. 6. It has also announced a new addition to its Italian poker network, Intralot.it, and online cash games are due to be introduced to this network later in the year.
It is not all good news for poker however, as the number of active player days has decreased due to seasonality and competition. Action was made last month to increase these figures, with improvements made in areas such as the player loyalty programme and player promotions, and a new offline marketing campaign.
Therefore, although poker revenue may be down compared to Q1, the company states that this is because of bonus and player loyalty expenditure. The company’s casino results were promising, which also helps to offset the decline in poker revenue.
Chief Executive Officer, Jim Ryan, said, “The Group’s strategy remains on-track and I am pleased that many of the seeds we have sown over the past year are now beginning to bear fruit. The improvements to our poker product and loyalty programme, the addition of INTRALOT to our Italian poker network and the launch this week of bingo and casino for DM plc are clear examples of this.”
Taking advantage of U.S.-facing sites’ recent funds seizures, the company has decided to increase its marketing spend in certain areas, but this expense then balances out any increase in player numbers. Overall, the report predicts that half year and full year results will contrast well with those from 2008.
PartyGaming’s interim results will be announced on Aug. 28.
