VIENNA, October 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- bwin announces the closing ofthe acquisition of Gioco Digitale S.p.A ("Gioco Digitale"). All conditionsprecedent to the acquisition have been satisfied.

The acquisition of Gioco Digitale is an important step for bwin to becomethe leader in continental Europe's largest online gaming market and is inline with bwin's stated strategy of increasing regional market share inestablished European markets by acquiring local champions. The deal willenable bwin to capitalize on the growth potential of the Italian onlinegaming industry which is supported by modern, pro-active regulation.

Including Gioco Digitale, bwin's market share of the Italian online pokermarket increased slightly to 25,6% during September 2009 (August 2009: 25,5%).

Gioco Digitale's experienced management team joins bwin to develop pokerand other products in European markets where liberalization and localregulation are emerging.

    Further information:    Press:    Kevin O'Neal, Press Officer    bwin Interactive Entertainment AG    Borsegasse 11, 1010 Vienna, Austria    Tel.: +43(0)50-858-24010    E-mail: press@bwin.org    http://www.bwin.org    Investors:    Konrad Sveceny, Investor Relations    bwin Interactive Entertainment AG    Borsegasse 11, 1010 Vienna, Austria    Tel.: +43(0)50-858-20017    E-mail: investorrelations@bwin.org    http://www.bwin.org

SOURCE bwin Interactive Entertainment AG