by Hillary LaClair, Senior Editor
March 13, 2009
Popular online casino software provider, Playtech, has announced that it will begin developing online sportsbooks in its suit of gaming products. Current and future licensees can now purchase sports betting software in addition to casino or poker rooms. The decision to add sports betting to the roster comes shortly after Playtech and Player2Players, a Cyprus based developer of betting exchange and sportsbook software platforms with research and development facilities in Israel, merged assets.
Playtech currently leads the market in gaming software, and is most well known for its iPoker Network. The software developer will now be able to offer a full library of products including casino, poker, bingo, mobile gaming, live gaming, sports betting and even land based casino games.
Playtech made headlines earlier this year, having merged with popular online sports betting operator, William Hill, a transaction that was completed in January.
The software provider recently announced the addition of Marvel based games to its offering. It signed a “landmark” exclusive multi-year licensing agreement Marvel Character B.V. which will allow the company the right to use iconic film brands such as “The Incredible Hulk,” “Fantastic Four,” “X-men,” “Iron Man” and “Blade” among several others in its gaming products – casino, poker, bingo and all online, mobile and T.V. platforms – and with the Playtech subsidiary, Videobet.
“This agreement is a major stepping stone for Playtech, as it will greatly extend the commercial appeal and cross-selling opportunities of our products,” said Mor Weizer, Playtech CEO. “Branded slots are a good way of diversifying our product and attracting new players. Our customers can now enjoy games with Playtech’s leading software featuring up-to-date Marvel film characters, which have a truly mass market appeal. The proven strength of these brands will allow our licensees to gain market share using the strength of our product. We look forward to working with such a globally renowned and respected company as Marvel to provide an exciting gaming experience for our customers.”
Playtech has also announved that it has completed the terms of agreement for Gamenet S.P.A. to join its Italian poker network. Additionally, the company has extended its live gaming offering to Europe, following the success it has had in Asia. Located in Riga, Latvia, the European facilities have been designed and built by a “highly skilled team” on the same platform as Playtech Live Asia.
“Playtech’s upcoming European facing live casino games, reflect our commitment to continually broaden our product range and upgrade its quality. Expanding our Live Gaming offering is the natural next step for Playtech as we extend our reach and enhance the profitability of our licensees throughout Europe,” said Weizer.
Playtech develops unified software platforms for the online gaming industry, including now internet sportsbooks, primarily for existing casino operators who seek to upgrade their system and sportsbooks looking to diversify their offering. Playtech gaming applications are fully inter-compatible and can be freely incorporated as stand-alone programs, accessed and funded by players through the same account. Playtech was founded in 1999, has has over 750 employees around the globe.
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