UK-based betting conglomerate, Ladbrokes, has proven their doubters they are not going anywhere but up, following their decision to become a gambling-only company.  After selling their large hotel division to an American partner, there was widespread speculation from investors and betting industry professionals that Ladbrokes would either be acquired or have no choice but to merge with a larger company.  Private equity bidders, such as CVC Capital and BC Partners were putting great pressure on Ladbrokes to sell (at one point the offering price was approximately US$7 billion), but Ladbrokes, under the insightful guidance of CEO Chris Bell, stood their ground, making it known that Ladbrokes was worth far more than what was being offered.

Bell was also aware that Ladbrokes had several projects cooking on the back burner, including a major plan to expand their services internationally, which is precisely what has happened.  Quenching the doubting Thomas' thirst, Ladbrokes revealed a tremendous profit margin only five months after selling their hotel division.  But it was two recent deals which has urged many investors to put their faith and money back into Ladbrokes.  This last week, Ladbrokes struck two deals that would enable them to expand on a large scale.

The first of these was made with downloadable gaming server provider CyberView Technology, in which the two companies have teamed up to create a sports betting package for land-based casinos and gambling destinations.  The system will be available for both and large casinos, and is rumored to already have garnered strong interest from several Moscow-based casinos.  Ladbrokes will supply tailored-odds display screens, along with betting-capture systems and liability management, while CyberView will market, manage and integrate all system components.  They will also provide training and technology support.

Another avenue for international expansion that looks very likely for Ladbrokes is in Vietnam, where company officials met Vietnamese sports authorities to unveil a presentation that would help to rectify the recent illegal football betting scandal there.  Supposedly, the presentation was very well received.  Other Ladbrokes exploits in the Far East include a February deal with China Sports Lottery to provide consultation services for the new Chinese football lottery shops which were opened just in time for the World Cup.