888 Signs with South Africa's PGE

South African-based Phumelela Gold Enterprises has signed an agreement with 888 Holdings that will bring it an online sportsbook followed by other online games later in 2009, news agencies reported last week.

The strategic partnership brings together PGE, one of the world's largest horseracing and tote betting companies , and Dragonfish, the independent B2B division of 888 holdings.

Dragonfish will initially provide PGE with a comprehensive sportsbook. Casino, poker and bingo games will be introduced once expected regulations come into force in South Africa.

There is somewhat of a regulatory void in South Africa at present, although it is expected this will be cleared up soon, given that it is three months since the South African government published a proposal to regulate online gambling.