In addition, the agreement allows for increasing promotional activities into other neighbouring markets such as Taiwan, China and Korea (a key market in view of it hosting the 2002 World Cup).

Sportingbet.com and Singinvests estimate that turnover for sportingbet.com could reach $USD100 million by 2001, $USD500 million by 2002 (coinciding with the Football/Soccer World Cup) and $USD350 million for 2003.

"This is a great boost for Sportingbet.com. We have always recognised the value of the South-East Asian Market and this partnership with Singinvests will give a great boost to our turnover and customer efforts that are generated from the region. The Singinvests team has a proven track record in successfully promoting gambling and bookmaking companies." Sportingbet.com Managing Director Mark Blandford said.

Singinvests will commence its promotional activities immediately. Future plans for the region also include dedicated Chinese and Thai language web-sites.

The deal involves Singinvests receiving a percentage share of sportingbet.com's increased earnings in the south-east asian region resulting from Singinvests' advertising and other promotional activities. Singinvests guarantees that a percentage of its share of earnings will be directed back into its ongoing marketing efforts for sportingbet.com throughout the Asian region.

Sportingbet.com is based and licensed in Alderney in the British Channel Islands and enjoys a betting tax-free status which allows customers from anywhere in the world to enjoy betting with one of Britain's most respected bookmakers legally and tax free.