BskyB

BskyB is the largest media company in the UK. This media giant is a broadband supplier and satellite television supplier, in addition to providing mobile telephone services, running television, news, and sports programming. More than 11 million households in the UK rely on BskyB to provide some sort of media services to them.

Their history dates back to 1989, when they launched four free television channels via satellite. In 1990, Sky and BSB merged to form the company known today as BskyB. This is the same year that they launched Sky Movies, a subscription-based movie service.

1992 was BskyB’s first profitable year. This was the very same year that they won the rights to broadcast the English Premier League. They went from being a privately held company to floating 17% of their ownership on the NYSE and London Stock Exchange in 1994. Since the first year BskyB turned a profit, they smartly grew their earnings to a company-wide £1.3 billion pounds in 2012.

BSkyB broke into the online gaming realm in 2002 through an off balance sheet venture under Hestview Limited, a subsidiary of BskyB’s betting and gaming division. Their initial focus was sports betting, as they provided betting services over the Internet and telephone. Their services evolved to include mobile betting, and betting through their proprietary digital television app. In addition to sports betting, Sky own and operate Sky Vegas (Slots & Vegas style online gaming), Sky Poker (poker played online and on the tele), as well as Sky Bingo.

As a whole, Sky Bet was a key player in the year-over-year 17% increase in “other revenue” for BskyB as a group. Sky listed this item on the balance sheet to have produced £361 million pounds in profit during 2012.

They are licenced in Alderney by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission. Sky Betting and Gaming is run by Stephen van Rooyen. He serves as the Managing Director of Sales and Marketing for BskyB in addition to overseeing the betting and gaming division of Sky. Prior to joining BskyB in 2006, he was the Director of Strategy for Virgin Media.

The office for Sky Betting and Gaming can be found at the following address:

British Sky Broadcasting Ltd (sky betting and gaming)
2 Wellington Place
Leeds
LS14AP
Tel: 08445 400 000

Overall, Sky is an enormous, well-run, and financially sound company who brings experience and innovation to the industry. We find BskyB to carry all the licences, innovative games, and great offers necessary to justify an “A” rating when combined with their outstanding customer service, public listing, and physical presence in the UK.