SHFL to be exclusive distributor of Amaya's online poker and platforms

The terms of a definitive agreement will include SHFL making up to a us$ 10 million payment to Amaya for the exclusive rights granted. SHFL and Amaya will share all revenue equally and also split all direct U.S. operational expenses, such as hosting, hardware and licensing costs. 

Upon the execution of the definitive agreement, SHFL will pay Amaya us$ 2 million and have the immediate ability to offer its business-to-business (B2B) customers AGP casino content and Ongame Poker for free-to-play social casino, which is one of the fastest growing segments of online entertainment in North America.

Contingent upon regulated, real-money online poker commencing under either a Federal statute or in California, SHFL will pay Amaya an additional us$ 8 million. Alternatively, if individual states commence regulated, real-money online poker before commencement of such play under either a Federal statute or such play becomes legalized in California, SHFL will pay up to an aggregate of us$ 8 million on a prorated basis (based on population) as individual states commence regulated, real-money online poker.  In the event the Federal government or California commences regulated, real-money online poker after any other state, SHFL will pay Amaya the difference between us$ 8 million and the aggregate amount previously paid.

"With over 90 companies around the globe currently using its platforms, we believe that Amaya is a leader in the online gaming market and working with them will offer many mutual benefits," said Gavin Isaacs, SHFL's CEO. "We are confident that the integration of our renowned brands and content delivery technology into Amaya's full suite of cutting-edge online platforms will create a turnkey solution for our customers.  Together with our many U.S. gaming licenses, we believe we will be able to maximize the market presence of these platforms." 

"Strategic alliances have always been an integral part of Amaya's strength and growth in key markets, and SHFL, with its reputation for gaming innovation and strong relationships in the US, is an ideal partner for us in the U.S. market," said David Baazov, CEO of Amaya. "Amaya expects to leverage those qualities by combining our technologies and expertise and putting forward a very compelling offering to U.S. operators wishing to extend their brand and operations online."

Added Louis Castle, SHFL's Chief Strategy Officer, "Free-to-play and social casino offer an exciting immediate opportunity for collaboration with Amaya.  The U.S. online poker market is also very promising and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Ongame, whom we have always believed has the best technology available for online B2B poker."