Air travel is fast becoming top of the hit list for environmentalists. Along with gas-guzzling cars, airlines and their passengers are increasingly facing calls for additional taxation to counterbalance, in a small way, their detrimental effect on the climate. It has been suggested that exotic fruit and vegetables, now commonly available, should no longer be air-freighted, or at least carry heavy duties. Budget airlines have been much criticised for making air travel available to the masses, thereby putting further strain on the world's fragile ecosystem.

Ryanair, much loved by British holiday makers, is looking to increase non-ticket sales. At present around 15% of income comes from non-ticket sales in the form of food and beverage and hotel bookings. Chief Executive Michael O’Leary is planning on raising this to 20% over the next five years. Yesterday the company announced a partnership with online gambling operator Jackpotjoy.com and plans to offer its airline passengers the chance to while away the flight playing online bingo and casino games.

As jackpots would be pooled with web users, they could reach as much as £200,000. Details have yet to be finalized but it is envisaged that passengers’ mobile phones would be used for gaming. A game of bingo could cost between 50p and £1 and Ryanair hopes to offer the gaming facility from next year. Ryananair Holdings PLC will share revenue with Jackpotjoy, a company owned and operated by Gamesys Limited, registered in the UK, and Profitable Play LV, registered in Curacao. (E-11.02.06)

© Copyright 2006 CasinoCompendium



>>> return to archives
>>> return to frontpage