ITALIAN JOB FOR PLAYTECH

26 September 2008

Online gambling software provider clinches Eurobet Italia deal

London-listed online gambling software developer and provider Playtech plc has announced an turnkey poker agreement with Eurobet Italia, the Italian and international sportsbook owned by Gala Coral Group. Eurobet is the second Italian licensee on Playtech's Italian poker network after the agreement with Snai, announced in August 2008 (see previous InfoPowa report).

Playtech will provide Eurobet with its entire portfolio of market leading poker games in line with the Italian regulations. At present, the software is downloadable in a "play for fun" mode, which provides players with the opportunity to improve their strategies and hone their skills for free. A "play for real money'' mode is intended for launch later this year.

Both parties are wholly committed to meeting all the Italian regulatory standards, a statement from Playtech emphasises. The product has been fully integrated with Eurobet's online betting system to ensure a seamless gaming experience for the player. It has been designed specifically to appeal to the Italian market and customised to meet all functional requirements, including a true shared wallet experience between the sportsbook and poker room, by matching language and currency.

Mor Weizer, Chief Executive Officer of Playtech, commented: "We are very pleased to have reached this agreement with Gala Coral's Eurobet, one of the leading online gaming operators, and a group which is highly experienced in the global market and strongly established in Italy. We are committed to continue expanding our presence in regulated European markets in general and to specifically further establish our presence in the Italian market and look forward to working with Eurobet to provide an exciting gaming experience for Italian players. Playtech has the world's largest non US liquidity pool and intends to leverage this experience to further its presence in the newly regulated Italian poker market and build a prominent position in the Italian market."

Domenico Giovando, Managing Director of Eurobet Italia, said: "We are delighted to have reached the agreement with Playtech. Playtech has a proven track record and were able to meet our needs, and more importantly were able to adapt their services to the Italian market. We are confident that we will both benefit from this partnership. In fact, Eurobet is one of the few Italian operators with a strong experience in poker gained on an international stage, and Playtech gives added value with their leading position in poker platform management worldwide."

Online Casino News courtesy of InfoPowa