888, WMS IN U.S. ONLINE POKER DEAL
Monday July 2, 2012 : 888, WMS IN U.S. ONLINE POKER DEAL
Agreement will enable WMS to add internet poker to its commercial offering to US land casinos
One of Europe's largest online gambling software developers and operators, 888 Poker, has announced, as part of its online US strategy, an alliance with WMS Gaming Inc., a land casino supplier which also operates the Jackpot Party Casino
The deal will enable WMS to offer an online poker product to all its land casino customers, deploying 888's well proven internet poker platform, provide an end-to-end solution that will enable land-based casino operators to leverage and aggregate their respective customer databases, aiming to build large-scale player pools.
Chicago-based WMS will market and distribute 888's online poker system to land-based casino customers in venues throughout the United States, initially with a play-for-fun offering.
The agreement will allow the launch of a real money offering immediately as either Federal or state based regulation is finalised and upon licensing by gaming authorities.
Earlier this year, both 888 and WMS submitted applications to Nevada's State Gaming Control Board for interactive gaming licenses in the State of Nevada.
Brian Mattingley, CEO of 888, said:
"WMS is one of the main gaming suppliers in America, with a network of relationships with land-based operators that is second to none. The combination of 888's cutting edge online poker platform and WMS' customer relationships, marketing and distribution capabilities, provides the opportunity to build a substantial online presence.
"By deploying our joint online poker solution, casino operators in the United States will be able to provide their customers with a robust and secure network with the liquidity and games offering to give the best possible player experience."
Orrin J. Edidin, President of WMS, added:
"Aligning our efforts with 888 Holdings will allow WMS to provide our casino operator customers with the capabilities and benefits from one of the world's most experienced online poker operators which will significantly support their efforts to benefit from online poker in the United States as it becomes legal."
