Virgin Group To Launch Online Gaming Portal

Richard Branson's Virgin Group has announced its intention to make its mark on the online gaming world with the forthcoming launch of Virgin Games, scheduled for this June. The site, which will offer games for free as well as the chance to gamble for cash prizes, represents Branson's first flirtation with the gambling sector since he failed to secure the UK lottery in 2000.

The platform, which will be powered by Wagerworks, is based in Alderney with a UK betting license, making Virgin the biggest brand name yet to be enticed by UK gambling deregulation. 

Simon Burridge, the man who spearheaded the 2000 lottery campaign, has been appointed chairman of the venture and announced that the site will be targeted squarely at the general entertainment division: "It's to provide something for everybody. There will be games for hardcore gamblers, but that's not where the centre of gravity is," he explained.

Virgin Games promises a wide range of games, including a casino, instant win and arcade games, and bingo. This being Virgin, prizes are expected to range from CDs and DVDS TO first-class flights around the world and stays on Branson's Luxury Necker Island in the Pacific Ocean.