JADESTONE AND GIOCO DIGITALE INK ITALIAN SKILL GAMES DEAL


3/18/10 – The Scandinavian skill games specialist Jadestone Networks, which operates the Arena multiplayer gaming network, has inked a deal with Bwin's major Italian subsidiary Gioco Digitale that will add the player liquidity and local expertise to its Italian network shortly.
 
Jadestone was the first e-gaming software provider to successfully launch skill games for cash in Italy in January 2009 for Bwin. Since then the Austrian betting group has gone on to acquire Gioco Digitale, an extremely successful provider of various poker, betting and gaming products to the burgeoning Italian market.
 
Jadestone will now create a dedicated skill game network in Italy for the combined Gioco Digitale and Bwin audience. The network will be compliant with the requirements of the Italian authorities via the new Gioco Digitale platform and other partners will be invited to join.
 
“We are proud that customers appreciate our games in the Italian market and that we continue to grow our presence there,” said Tobias Nissen, general manager of Jadestone Networks. “Our partnership with Bwin and Gioco Digitale forms the bedrock of a high quality and high liquidity network for all Italian players to enjoy. The re-launched proposition takes advantage of the new platform developed by Gioco Digitale and bwin and will benefit all other partners that choose to work with us in Italy.”
 
Paolo Di Feo, General Director of Bwin and Gioco Digitale in Italy, said that skill games are a key product in the company's Italian vision of gaming as a part of the entertainment industry, that has already seen advances in the distribution of poker and sport.
 
"We believe in Italy there is space for the growth of a network that shares this vision, and we found in Jadestone not only a recognised international leader, but also a partner that is willing to commit to creating games that are in line with Italian taste and trends.” 
 
Jadestone will be strenthening its regional presence in Italy as a condequence of the agreement, and has appointed Marcus Dahlgren as the new country manager.  He will take up his duties at the beginning of next (April) month and is charged with building up the local business together with existing and new partners.