Gambling News by Gambling Headquarters

BUDGET airline Ryanair has struck a deal that could take online gambling on to all of its flights next year. The Irish carrier, Europe's fastest growing airline, announced yesterday it had formed a partnership with internet bingo group Jackpotjoy.com. The gambling deal will initially offer an inflight link to the Jackpotjoy website, with more than 80 online games available when the mobile service is introduced. Ryanair will take a slice of Jackpotjoy's profits. Outspoken chief executive Michael O'Leary said he expected the move to make "millions upon millions", but would not disclose the financial details. "We might have the pilot calling out bingo numbers. That would get everyone's attention." Ryanair is currently leading the charge to introduce mobile phone use during flights, currently planned to be allowed from mid-2007. The move is Ryanair's latest push to generated non-ticket income, with the carrier attracting millions of potential customers aboard its planes a year with its cut-price fares, often charging only landing fees and government taxes. Already 15 per cent of turnover comes from food sales and hotel bookings.