The Playtech software licensing deal for online gambling properties
recently acquired from Empire Online and IOG by Party Gaming continued
to dominate online gambling industry news reports today (Wednesday)
The Independent reported that under the agreement, Party Gaming will
have access to Playtech's casino, poker and bingo products, and that
shares in both companies surged between 6 and 12 percent when the
news broke.
The newspaper reported that Party Gaming has shifted its focus to
Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and has made no secret of the
fact it is examining ways to enter the lucrative Chinese market. Playtech's
licensing deal with China's leading gaming group Sino Strategic International
last month could pave the way for a profitable relationship for Party,
too.
In terms of the SSI agreement Playtech is to provide software for
a number of games for the Chinese market including mah-jong, Do Di
Zhu and Choi Da Di.
Analysts are quoted as opining that if Party Gaming were to move into
China then Playtech would be well placed to provide the software for
its sites.
"Everyone has been looking for new markets after the US
crackdown and China is the key area of growth," one said.
Avigur Zmora, the chief executive of Playtech, which is based in the
Isle of Man, said: "Asia is the big story for Playtech
right now. This is the most lucrative and fastest growing market and
everyone wants to tap into it." He added: "This agreement
with Party Gaming is a real endorsement from the leading gaming company
and we are delighted to have established this important relationship."
"If they (Party Gaming) have serious aspirations in Asia,
I'm sure they will shop for product - it's not a product you can develop
in one day - and I'm sure Playtech will be one of the leading options,"
Zmora told Reuters in another interview. "The second you
have a relationship, it's much easier to involve them with new products.
Party is looking at similar areas geographically, with the focus in
Asia, so it might lead to further business down the line."