Gambling technology firm Playtech has agreed to supply its casino facilities in Michigan and New Jersey as it looks to grow its North American footprint.
Under the remit of the new partnerships, Playtech will power Parx Interactive operations in Michigan via its Play Gun Lake brand. The company will also supply Bet365 with its portfolio to launch the New Jersey studio.
Playtech said its new facilities have already secured the regulatory approvals from the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) and New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE).
Upon launch, the non-exclusive alliance will include the provision of Playtech’s Quantum Roulette arcade, classic roulette, blackjack and baccarat live dealer tables. This initial rollout will be followed by further launches, including a sports-focused environment and new arcade experience.
The launch demonstrates another significant step in Playtech’s growth since it entered the US market last year. The London-listed gaming supplier then hopes to build upon operational momentum from the new live casino studios and expand into more US states in the future.
Earlier in February, Playtech released an online casino in Michigan, while in Latin America it has reinforced its presence through agreements with new projects in Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica and Panama.
In the first half of 2021, Playtech’s business in the United States and Latin America grew its H1 revenue by more than 100 percent to €46.4 million.
Speaking of the new deals, Playtech Live Casino CEO Edo Haitin said the move represents the initial launch of their entertainment-led live casino offering in the US and the next step in the company’s strategic expansion.
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Haitin added: “The launch of the two facilities represents our core strategy of bringing our industry-leading studio standards to the US whilst ensuring that Playtech Live’s most engaging and innovative products and technology are available to new markets and audiences. We are humbly grateful for the warm welcome and support our teams have received from the Atlantic City and Southfield communities, and we are looking forward to becoming an integral part of these communities and contribute our part.”
Elsewhere, Playtech will seek shareholder approval on January 12 to proceed with its proposed sale to the Australian slot-machine maker Aristocrat Leisure. The latter said the deal would unlock opportunities in the fast-growing online real money gaming segment as they continue to open up, particularly in North America. The company’s CEO also referred to taking advantage of the de-regulating betting and gaming market in the United States.
Separately, Playtech said Citibank will join other lenders that would finance Aristocrat’s possible buyout, which would be made through its subsidiary Bidco. The Australian company said it would fund the deal with a combination of existing cash and new debt alongside equity raising of nearly $960 million.
