Playtech consolidates presence in French market

ChiliPoker, which had been running on the Playtech platform as a sub-licensee through one of Playtech’s licensees and will become a direct licensee following its significant growth in the last few years.

ChiliPoker is a key strategic licensee given its knowledge and presence in the French gaming market. It has recently signed an agreement with 'Free', the second largest internet service provider in France, to provide its gaming services and brands to its 12 million users. The growth of the brand has also been cemented by a three year deal with World Poker Tour to set up televised events in Marrakech, and by its official sponsorship of the World Poker Congress in 2008.

This deal reaffirms Playtech’s ongoing strategy to diversify into newly regulated markets. France has recently published draft regulations on internet gambling which upon approval by Parliament, will take effect in January 2010.

Mor Weizer, CEO of Playtech, commented: "We are delighted to have consolidated our relationship with ChiliPoker in reaching an agreement for it to become a direct licensee. The French gaming market offers huge potential for gaming operators, and we will be looking more closely at establishing our foothold here in advance of the gambling regulation coming into force next year."