Launches and sign-ups 26 March 2014
Launches and sign-ups from the egaming industry in the last seven days (20 March to 26 March 2014)
Betfred aims high with mobile poker launch
Operator releases new mobile and tablet poker products with additional features and advertising campaign to follow
Betfred has set its sights on becoming “one of the top poker sites” after launching its first mobile and tablet-optimised poker products, becoming the fifth operator on Playtech’s iPoker network to do so.
The operator began working on the products several months ago, collaborating with Playtech’s mobile development team and Betfred’s own mobile development agency Degree 53.
Speaking to eGaming Review this morning Ben Clark, head of poker at Betfred, said the initial launch was on mobile web and iOS app, and revealed additions to the software are in the pipeline to differentiate it from other iPoker licensees, such as bet365, Ladbrokes and Betclic Everest.
“We’re looking to really branch out on to as many platforms as possible,” Clark said. “We have a big focus on what our players want and will be bringing this to the fold on future platforms such as native apps, HTML5 tablet apps and others.”
Gala Interactive launches new Sweden-facing brand
Gala Interactive has soft-launched a new Sweden-facing brand called simply ‘Gala’ in what marks the company’s first venture outside of the UK.
The beta site Gala.se, which was released earlier this month, stands separate to its UK sites and has been designed in-house and in conjunction with software provider Playtech. The operator plans a full release in April.
Gala becomes the first Gala Interactive site to house Playtech’s complete product suite of casino, live casino, bingo and poker, while the next few months will also see the release of a number of exclusive branded games in a move to increase market appeal.
Seven days in launches and sign-ups:
Paddy Power “first” to embed casino games into sportsbook app
Paddy Power has teamed up with Realistic Games to embed the supplier’s casino content into its native iPad sportsbook app, allowing customers to play side games without switching product or transferring their balance.
In a move the operator has hailed as an industry first, blackjack and roulette games now sit alongside a customer’s betslip within the app, allowing them to interact with both products at the same time.
The games have been added ahead of next month’s Grand National, with the Irish operator eyeing a push of its mobile sportsbook products prior to the horseracing event.
Kambi moves into Asian market with debut casino deal
Kambi Sporting Solutions is set embark on its first Asian business venture after securing the rights to provide one of Cambodia’s largest casinos with an in-house sportsbook.
It is understood that the long-term deal with NagaWorld Hotel & Entertainment could also see the development of an online presence as the relationship between the two parties progresses.
Kambi is thought to have fought-off competition from the likes of Betfair and SBOBET during a competitive eight-month tender process with the supplier permitted to operate in the country though its Alderney licence.
Foxy Bingo to rebrand this year
Foxy Bingo is set to undergo a rebrand later this year after the operator called in marketing agency Partners Andrews Aldridge to develop an entirely new brand design.
The rebrand comes as Foxy Bingo looks to stave off competition from new market entrants after a host of new bingo operators spent big in an attempt to gain traction in the crowded online bingo sector.
Gaming Realms, owned by former Cashcade founders Simon Collins and Patrick Southon, spent an undisclosed seven-figure sum to establish its new Bingo Godz brand, while BGO Entertainment spent £12m on a new Costa Bingo marketing campaign involving former Spice Girl Melanie B.
Bwin.party and Evolution team up for live Spanish roulette
Bwin.party has bolstered its Spain-facing product portfolio after launching a live roulette service on bwin.es via Evolution Gaming’s local casino studio in Murcia.
Ruleta En Vivo consists of three tables ranging from low to high-limit with bwin.party offering players the chance to earn points and collect eight cash bonuses worth more than 1,000.
The use of Evolution’s studio at the Casino Rincon de Pepe was a necessary measure with Spanish gaming regulations stipulating that live casino services must be streamed from a venue based on Spanish soil.
Spain moves closer to online slots launch
Spanish regulator the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) has notified the European Commission (EC) of its draft decrees on slots and exchange betting as it remains on course for an anticipated Q4 launch.
The EC is expected to validate the decrees within a three-month period, although this could be extended should it receive any objections from other member states, which at present seems unlikely.
The process should be completed by 19 June which will allow the Spanish regulator to approve the new regulations in a matter of weeks.
Metro Play debuts native casino app
DMG Media-owned Metro Play has launched its first native mobile casino app on iOS devices as it increases its “mobile-first” approach.
Metro Play Casino was created by its in-house development team and features the full portfolio of games found on the operator’s desktop website.
The app is currently only available in the Apple App Store but the operator said it is contemplating an Android launch in the near future following strong mobile web growth on the operating system.
IGT extends deal with Sony for Wheel of Fortune
IGT will develop online versions of its popular slot product Wheel of Fortune after extending its licensing agreement with Sony, with the content provider prepaying US$185m against future royalties.
Under the agreement IGT has also licensed the rights to popular US TV show Jeopardy! and plans to use the brand for land-based, online real-money, and freeplay content through its DoubleDown casino.
The game’s appearance on IGT’s DoubleDown Casino will mark the first time that Jeopardy! will be available on an online social casino in the US.