According to a report in The Scotsman, UK betting giant Ladbrokes is "set to unveil plans for a massive overseas expansion that will see it open betting shops outside Europe for the first time." The report states that Ladbrokes, which is the gambling arm of the Hilton Group, is holding conversations with foreign governments that would also embrace gaming deregulation, like Great Britain.

Brian Wallace, Deputy CEO commented, "We are talking about internationalising the Ladbrokes brand. A lot of countries would like to adopt our standard of regulation, and they are asking: How can we get help with this?" Giving an outline of the firm's intentions, he said, "It's not like we will be spending hundreds of millions building shops, but we are looking to set them up properly, and to explain to joint venture partners how to run them. So, apart from running our business here in the UK, the Ladbrokes guys are currently flying around the world - trying to set up these joint ventures."

It is understood that countries like Singapore and Macau would be primary targets for Ladbrokes, especially as the island country has approved licences for two casinos and Macau, well, gambling is just top of the list in this Chinese enclave. At present, the English bookmaker operates some 2,250 betting shops in the UK and Ireland, as well as some bookies in Belgium.

If, as it seems, Ladbrokes does its homework before it sails off into the great gambling unknown, with betting shops wholly owned or in joint ventures, its fortunes are likely to find safe port. Back in the 90's Ladbrokes decided to get into the casino business in Latin America, and both poor executive action and lack of regional knowledge brought about a swift retreat, with ensuing losses of both capital and face. (E-10.13.05)

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