Playtech to Apply for Nevada License
Playtech, the leading software provide for most online casino companies in the United Kingdom that supplies gaming companies likeTitan, bet365, William Hill and Betfair had released its intention to expand their operations to the United States by getting ready to apply for a Nevada license.
Playtech CEO Mor Weizer told eGaming Review that they were only weeks away from submitting paperworks necessary for the said application. They are set to be the latest applicant for an online poker service provider license after Spielo and GTECH G2, the two companies that applied for interactive gaming service provider licenses mid of March.
Applications have been filed with the Nevada Gaming Control Board for Spielo International USA, Spielo International Canada and Spielo International Austria, along with GTECH G2’s Boss Media and St. Minver.
Spielo had been previously granted licenses in Nevada while GTECH G2 already has commitments to develop online websites for two US-based casinos, California’s Barona Band of Mission Indians and New York’s Seneca Nation of Indians.
“Applying for these licenses in Nevada is an important step in our iGaming strategy for the US,” said Spielo International president and CEO Walter Bugno. “Spielo International and GTECH G2 are names that are trusted in regulated markets around the world. We have an established track record as providers of end-to-end gaming products to more than 1,500 customers on five continents.”
Weizer believes that the big step of Playtech will lead to a “larger strategic deal next quarter.” He also revealed that the Playtech had undergone “certain probity checks” in New Jersey, Connecticut and Maine — the three states that have issued operating licenses to Sportech Racing, in which Playtech holds a 10% stake.
Meanwhile, Weizer said that Playtech’s deal with the tribes and card rooms making up the California Online Poker Association (COPA) has remained strong. Last year, COPA signed a deal with SciPlay, Playtech’s joint venture with Scientific Games.The joint venture was downgraded to a “strategic partnership” in January but Weizer said that the change was made to give “more flexibility” to each partners.
“The original agreement we had exclusivity for the lottery market, now it goes beyond this and we can co-operate on different levels, so it can also be casinos and other operations in the US … There are definitely opportunities underway in various markets and we will update the market in due course,” he said.
Updates on whether the licenses are granted for these three companies have not yet been established, but casino companies, avid players and the software providers themselves are hoping for a bright future in the United States, beginning with their Nevada licenses. With the legalization of online gambling last December, off shore gambling companies are awaiting the time when they could finally serve US customers. However, the progress is so slow since some states are still ironing out the new law.
Source: Calvin Ayre
