Playtech launches French iPok

RNS Number : 5879P

Playtech Limited

20 July 2010

 



Playtech Limited

"Playtech" or "the Company"

Playtech announces launch of French iPoker network with Chilipoker and signs agreements with JOA, Tranchant and Casino du Golfe

Playtech, the international software and content provider to the online and land-based gaming industry, announces the recent launch of its exclusive French iPoker network. This follows the recent regulation of the French online gaming industry and the authorization of online poker and initial operator licenses. 

The French iPoker network commenced with Chilipoker, which will be joined by a number of additional licensees in the coming months. These include leading French land-based casino groups, JOA, Groupe Tranchant and Casino du Golfe. JOA and Casino du Golfe have submitted applications for approval to the French regulator, ARJEL.

Operators will benefit from increased pool player liquidity through the iPoker network and being powered by Playtech's leading online software and support systems, which are fully compliant with ARJEL's requirements.

Chiligaming was founded in 2004 and has been a licensee of Playtech since May 2009. It offers a wide range of gaming products under a number of 'Chili' brands, including the highly successful Chilipoker, which has a strong European following. Chiligaming also has a partnership with the French group Iliad, which operates 'Free,' the second largest French ISP, providing access to a database of over 12 million users.

JOA was founded in 1948 and is one of the leading and high profile casino groups in France with 20 casinos and other leisure activities. Its online gaming subsidiary, JOAONLINE was created in 2009 in anticipation of the opening of the French market and has been operating on Playtech's poker platform on a play-for-fun basis for the past 12 months.

Groupe Tranchant was founded in 1987 and currently operates 21 casinos of which 16 are located across France, generating in excess of €300 million of gross gaming revenues. It will submit its application for a license shortly to operate under the Tranchantpoker.fr brand.

Casino du Golfe operates the Casino de Cavalaire, located near Saint Tropez. The casino has a notable reputation for poker including running multiple poker tournaments and enjoys a strong relationship with many local poker clubs.

Commenting on the announcement Mor Weizer, Playtech's Chief Executive, said:

"We are delighted to announce the launch of the French iPoker network. I am confident that it will develop to become one of the leading liquid networks in France. As the market expands in its regulated form, France has the potential to become a very substantial local market."

"We are focused on attracting a mix of licensees to the network, targeting a combination of existing licensees and well established local operators entering the market. Chili, JOA, Tranchant and Casino du Golfe each have strong brands and longstanding gaming experience. Such licensees bring scale, experience and diversity of player base to the network. We expect to expand the number of participants in the network in the coming months as we are in active discussions with several potential licensees that would like to join our French network." 

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For further information contact:

Playtech Ltd Ross Hawley, Head of Investor Relations, c/o Pelham Bell Pottinger	[phone]
Collins Stewart Piers Coombs / Bruce Garrow	[phone]
Deutsche Bank Mumtaz Naseem	[phone]
Pelham Bell Pottinger David Rydell / Olly Scott / Samantha Boston	[phone]

About Playtech

Playtech develops unified software platforms and content for the remote and land-based gaming industry. Leading gaming applications include casino, poker, bingo, sports betting, live gaming, casual and fixed odds games. Playtech provides licensees with the tools to maximise cross-selling opportunities, player loyalty and yield, all through the powerful management interface - the IMS. The system's fully integrated, cross-platform capability enables players to access online, broadcast, mobile and server-based gaming terminals, through a single account.

New licensees include existing online operators upgrading or diversifying their offering, land based casino groups, government sponsored entities such as lotteries, and new entrants making their online gaming debut, particularly in the newly regulated markets.

Founded in 1999, Playtech is headquartered in the Isle of Man and has over 1,000 employees located in development centres in five countries, the majority of whom are engaged in research and development of current and future gaming technologies.

www.playtech.com

 

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