Delaware chooses SciGames, 888 and Williams Interactive for egaming
Selection ends quick-fire RFP process started in February " launch date set for end of 2013
The Delaware Lottery has selected a joint bid by Scientific Games, 888 and Williams Interactive to provide it with online gambling services, eGaming Review has learned.
Scientific Games, the current supplier of Delaware’s retail lottery products, partnered with 888 and Williams Interactive for the bid, which will supply a poker platform and casino content respectively. A source at one of the successful bidders confirmed the joint entity will now aim to launch an online gaming site in the state by the end of the year.
The Request for Proposals (RFP) was announced in February giving interested parties just over a month to submit their bids. Other applicants included PokerStars parent company Rational Group, IGT, Amaya Gaming and Bally Technologies.
The addition of poker and casino products to Scientific Games’ core lottery software will be aided by a deal struck by Williams Interactive parent company WMS Gaming and 888 earlier this year. The deal sees WMS able to offer 888’s online poker product to land-based casinos on a freeplay basis and for real-money where legal.
The RFP called for companies to tender for the position of backend technology platform provider and operations manager, as well as internet game content vendors and suppliers of support services including e-wallets, identity verification and geolocation.
Delaware became the second US state to legalise online gambling after Nevada when its Governor Jack Markell approved a bill in June 2012. The bill permits the sale of online lottery tickets “ including instant win games “ and allow Delaware residents to play casino-style games including slots. All games will be offered under the control and operation of the state lottery.