“We are always on the look-out for attractive, additional value-adding alliance opportunities”

Recently, WMS have signed a deal with 888 Holdings. What can you tell us about it?
This strategic alliance expands WMS B2B online product offering and capabilities with a world-class online poker solution for U.S. customers, and extends WMS’ approach of serving customers with comprehensive, “best-of-breed” solutions for online gaming experiences. This is an opportunity for our customers to benefit from being a part of a large online poker network, the liquidity of which is critical for a great player experience. Our customers will be pleased to know that they will retain and remain the touch point with their players throughout the website interaction.

What will be your first offer for players?
Today, we have a full suite of casino and product solutions available for our customers.  This includes play-for-fun and real-money options, spanning from social, casual, and mobile to other play-for-fun options to full real-money gambling solutions where permissible. In addition, to our B2B customers, we can provide a full range of managed services solution or just world-renowned WMS game content in an online format. 

In your opinion will the U.S. see a Federal-based regulation any time soon?
While it is difficult to prognosticate, our current view is that we expect to see online gaming roll-out on a state-by-state basis over the next few years. There may come a time, in the not so distant future, when the federal government will step in with additional oversight. At this point, there are various schools of thoughts and lobbying interests, and rather than spend an inordinate amount of time on speculation, we set our focus on growing this new distribution channel.

How are you tracking the cases of Delaware, Nevada and New Jersey?
These are all exciting, albeit quite different, real-money gaming opportunities. WMS believes that we are favourably positioned to provide B2B Casino and Poker solutions in all of these markets if/when full market regulation becomes a reality. 

This year, you have submitted an application to the State Gaming Control Board (SGCB) for an interactive gaming license in the State of Nevada. Do you have any news about this?
We submitted an application to SCGB in March, and we expect the Board will give a review as soon as possible.

Are you planning to do the same thing with Delaware and New Jersey?
Subject to full issuance of regulations and, in the case of New Jersey, a signed piece of legislation, yes we expect to be in position to pursue opportunities in these markets. 

What are your objectives for the next months?
Following our recent strategic alliances and acquisitions, we plan to execute on the organic opportunities now in-house although we are always on the look-out for attractive, additional value-adding alliance opportunities. We are now in position to offer our customers a wide array of B2B Poker and Casino solutions, both in real-money and play-for-fun format.