Sciplay signs Internet poker agreement with COPA

COPA is the largest association of California's proven and trusted gaming partners. Its membership is comprised of 29 federally recognized California tribal governments and 31 state-licensed California card clubs. The agreement followed a competitive selection process designed to identify the most capable service provider suitable to serve the needs of the California poker players, estimated to be the largest number of poker players in any one state in the United States.

Under the terms of the agreement, COPA will receive a full suite of internet poker services, including network management, hosting, advisory services, customer support, internal marketing, and all associated hardware. The contract was signed in conjunction with a separate software licensing agreement between Playtech and COPA.

California is currently considering legislation to authorize and license intrastate internet poker offerings. In advance of this, these agreements with Sciplay and Playtech will enable COPA to offer internet poker in a "play for fun" mode, which provides players with the opportunity to improve their strategies and hone their skills for free. This website is planned for launch in 2011.

Robert Martin, Chairman of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and a member of COPA's Board of Managers, said, "It has been estimated that Californians wager more than us$ 13 billion annually on illegal, offshore internet poker websites. Our mission is to provide California players with a safe and secure option to play poker legally on the internet. On behalf of all of COPA's trusted gaming partners, both tribes and card clubs alike, we are very pleased to enter these agreements with Sciplay and Playtech to deliver a full service solution."

Haig Papaian, President and CEO of Commerce Casino and a member of COPA's Board of Managers, said, "We sought a best-in-class service provider for COPA and after an extremely competitive selection process, Sciplay was the clear winner. It delivers the perfect combination of Playtech's state-of-the-art, industry-leading gaming software and online experience, with Scientific Games' nearly 40 years of expertise in providing secure, regulated, compliant-compatible services and meeting strict protocols of domestic and international regulatory bodies."

Rick Weil, CEO of Sciplay, said, "We are proud to be part of COPA's progressive efforts in California to serve the needs of poker players throughout the state. COPA is supremely well positioned to become a licensed operator should internet poker become legal in the state of California and Sciplay is delighted to have the opportunity to work with COPA. This contract demonstrates the value of the Scientific Games and Playtech joint venture and we see this as the first of a number of opportunities where our combined capabilities can deliver a comprehensive solution."