LONDON, October 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Spread betting firm IG Sport and sister fixed-odds operator extrabet.com have launched the first UK Gambling Commission licensed online casino powered by Chartwell Technology Inc.

The casino went live last week and further expands the leisure offering from IG Group Holdings which includes sports spread betting, sports binary betting and fixed-odds sports betting.

"We're delighted to add Chartwell's casino to our on-line sports betting portfolio and proud that we can boast the first UK Gambling Commission licensed online casino," said head of IG Sport and extrabet.com, Stuart Lane.

"While both our fixed-odds and sports spread betting products remain strong, we also recognise the appetite for other modes of on-line gaming and thus the benefits of increasing the offerings on our online sports betting platforms."

"With the addition of the on-line casino we are now a step nearer to our long term goal in bringing to both extrabet.com and IG Sport customer's everything they require on one betting site."

In order to fulfil the IG Group's requirements and commitment to regulatory leadership, Chartwell's gaming system underwent a thorough certification process required by the UK regulatory authority that meets or exceeds gaming regulation anywhere in the world. This included both corporate and software certification to ensure maximum security and reporting functionality necessary for Chartwell to receive certification by the UK Gambling Commission under the new regime.

"This event marks a significant milestone for Chartwell, the IG Group, and online gaming regulation as a whole", states Darold H. Parken, President and CEO of Chartwell

"Delivering the software solution to power the UK's first licensed online gaming site elevates our company and technology to the next level and I am proud of every member of our team for achieving this industry-first. I would also like to complement the efforts of the IG Group, their pursuit of growth built on technology while conducting business within an extensive regulatory framework clearly defines this organization."

Further information: Jeremy Scott: +44(0)7717-887591