PartyGaming's Mitch Garber Decries US Protectionism

LONDON, England – As reported by the U Guardian: "PartyGaming chief executive Mitch Garber yesterday issued a thinly veiled attack on the manner in which the US justice department appears
Mitch Garber is the CEO of PartyGaming plc.  to be pursuing offshore gambling operators that seek customers in America.

"Speaking less than an hour after learning of the arrest of Sportingbet chairman Peter Dicks, he said: 'We are a FTSE 100-compliant company. If the department of justice has any issue with our business, I would hope they would notify us and communicate that with us fully.'

"Mr Garber also said he was hopeful that the company would be licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, a move that would add regulatory legitimacy to the world's largest online gambling group.

"Like most internet operators, PartyGaming is licensed in an offshore territory and not subject to regulation in the main markets in which it operates.

"…He attacked countries that appeared to be mirroring US attempts to ban online gambling while protecting their domestic industries…"

In related news he told reporters on a conference call. that PartyGaming has no interest in acquiring Victor Chandler's Gibraltar-based betting empire.

"The world's biggest online gambling group has a 500 mln stg warchest following its flotation last year and has been linked with several other betting firms, including Victor Chandler's group, which is thought to be worth about 400 mln stg.

"However, Garber was categorical when asked if PartyGaming plans to purchase the business.

"'No. Definitely not. My comment regarding Victor Chandler is very clear,' he said…"