Playtech announced this week that ten (count ‘em, 10) new licensees of its dynamic software platform are thus far on tap for 2011. Granted, most of these sites will be joining Playtech’s iPoker network, which if you didn’t hear already, is one of the largest and most active online poker networks running today. However, Playtech has confirmed at least some of these yet-to-be-named licensees will be turning to the renown software developer for a casino and bingo offering.
With the expansion of online gambling in France and Italy going into effect next year, business opportunities are certainly available in the European B2B igaming sector. And Playtech is, no doubt, well poised to capitalize on this opportunity. In just the last two years, Playtech has become the largest software developer in Italy, having earned a 16% market share overall, including a 25% market share in online bingo alone. With the launch of poker and online casino games in early 2011, Playtech could soon be dominating across the entire boards in Italy.
While France has resulted in losses and setbacks for Playtech this year (the French government having reversed earlier moves to regulate on a non-monopolistic basis), opportunities in France could still come next year. By adopting a “quality before quantity” strategy, Playtech is hoping to make connections with local operators in France, thereby slipping in the backdoor and ultimately funneling French poker players and punters into the Playtech network.
Two other active European iGaming markets where Playtech is hoping to experience major growth is Finland and Serbia. In fact, this already appears to be imminent in Finland, for Playtech has signed a deal with the Finnish gaming monopoly. Despite the fact that Finland’s population is more than ten times smaller than Britain, there are just half as many slot machines in Finland. In other words, it would seem the Finnish like to spin the reels – which are always the top revenue producer for online casinos.
To make a long story short, Playtech is doing well in Europe, in particular, the UK and Italy. What is traditionally a slow time for online gambling operators, daily betting activity was up 7% in October, while Playtech’s gross income for the quarter ending September 30, 2010 was up 30% from last year. Although poker revenue was down 30% to 5.7 million Euros, Weizer told eGaming News that online poker activity was up for the period.