Patrik Selin Takes Reins at Bodog Europe

LONDON, June 7, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Patrik Selin, one of the most respected names in the gaming industry, is taking the newly created role of CEO for Bodog Europe. Patrik, whose CV includes the biggest deal ever done in gaming history when at the helm of the OnGame network, which he sold to BWin for EUR500,000,000, is now looking to continue making the biggest gaming brand in the world a force in Europe.

Bodog Europe (http://www.bodog.co.uk and http://www.bodog.ca) is licensed and operated in the Caribbean nation of Antigua, and is one of several autonomously operated online gaming companies that license the "Bodog" brand worldwide from Antiguan-based BodogBrand.com.

Selin says: "Bodog Europe has a remarkable product set, a tremendous brand, and has assembled a team that is second to none. The meteoric successes in the UK to date have surpassed all expectations, and I'm thrilled to be able to help steer the course going forward in the UK. We are already looking to other European markets as the regulatory environment clarifies and as we secure appropriate regional licenses."

Selin, having already closed a deal to license the Bodog brand in 2009 for his soon-to-be-launched Bodog Poker Network, has already caused the entire poker industry to rethink their stance on rakeback after announcing a shift in direction for Bodog Network, whereby depositing players are more heavily rewarded rather than winning players.

Many say the European market is a saturated one with no room for further operators. However, characteristically, the London-based Swede takes a contrary view on the European business. He comments: "There can be no doubt that Europe is a crowded market but much like with poker the problem and the solution are the same thing - when many similar products exist you only have to be different to stand out a mile and few would argue that Bodog's brand is very different."

"In online gambling trust is everything and hence brand strength is important and nobody in this space has the brand strength coupled with the longevity of Bodog. The European market has become very corporate and Bodog will bring its sense of fun and entertainment back to online gambling, which will appeal directly to those who do not have any synergy with the online versions of old-fashioned High Street betting companies."

SOURCE Bodog Europe, London