Playtech wins four-year contract to power Finland's RAY

In February, the Finnish Government confirmed an amendment to RAY's gaming licence which enabled it to launch an online gaming offering in addition to its existing slot machines and casino games monopoly.

Under the terms of the exclusive four year contract, RAY will launch online casino and poker games using Playtech's software and technology platform, with the launch scheduled for the thrid quarter of 2010. RAY's interactive offering will also include casino games utilizing Playtech's EdGE gaming platform as well as a mobile gaming capability. Poker players will enjoy a multiplayer poker room with both cash and tournament games on an exclusive local network.

“This important agreement is further evidence as to the superiority of our product and the success of our stated strategy in soon-to-be-regulated markets,” said Mor Weizer, CEO of Playtech. “We have longstanding experience of helping land-based operators develop highly successful and complimentary online offerings. I am delighted that RAY has recognised our unparalleled credentials and chosen to partner with us.

“RAY is an extremely experienced operator and very highly respected by Finnish players and the community as a whole,” said Weizer. “We very much look forward to working with them to develop the important and highly active Finnish gaming market. By establishing a domestic online offering, RAY will be furthering its philosophy of responsible and trustworthy gaming. The unique player management tools we can provide will ensure a secure and safe operating environment in line with RAY's core values.”

Founded in 1938, RAY holds the exclusive right to manage gaming operations in Finland, comprising slot machines and casino games. The state-owned operator currently has over 19,000 slot machines in more than 8,400 locations across Finland, together with 300 club-based casino games, and operates Finland's only casino, the Grand Casino Helsinki. Last year RAY recorded total revenues of 651 million euros, of which over 90 % came from slot machines.

“This agreement ensures we will have a world-class internet offering for RAY's customers,” said Janne Peräkylä, Executive Director of gaming operations at RAY. “Using Playtech's technology platform and content, RAY can provide a constantly developing gaming selection, the most reliable and safe online service, and offer the best customer support. We strongly believe these are the key elements to attract both new and existing online customers.

“There are many technical challenges for a provider to satisfy the requirements for a national online service including regulatory authority supervision, player ID-checking as well as implementation of RAY's own gaming selection and responsibility tools,” continued Peräkylä. “Through our formal tender process it was clear that Playtech not only satisfied all requirements but had the best solutions for these challenges. We are looking forward to starting this new business with Playtech.”