Playtech and 888 Holdings – a perfect partnership?
When it comes to any sector, newly formed partnerships have the potential to go two ways. They can either add to the consumer experience and choice, or they can destroy them. What the US iGaming scene witnessed this month was a new union. 888 and Playtech pledged to come together to offer online casino players in the US, an unrivalled experience. Based on what we’ve seen elsewhere, there’s no reason to believe that this will bring anything but positives to the US. Read more about the Playtech and 888 Holdings partnership.
The thing is, these two companies are by no means strangers. They have been working together in other regulated territories and have already shown that this is a partnership that works. What this latest agreement means is that the two will be coming together again, but this time they will be looking to conquer the US iGaming market.
| 21+ | Terms & Conditions Apply | NJ Residents Only | ||
 | $25 FREE on Signup 100% up to $1.000 on First Deposit Hotspot Leaderboard | Visit Casino |
A brief look at Playtech
It was back in 1999 that a certain Teddy Sagi was quietly getting to work on what was to become one of the greatest casino software developers to exist. This was back in a time when the online gambling scene was in its infancy so it is fair to class Playtech as one of the originals.
It was 2001 when the world first got a taste of what Playtech had to offer. It took the online casino world by storm with a great mix of slots and RNG versions of casino classics such as blackjack and poker.
There’s no denying that Playtech had a mix of ups and downs over the years, but what we have been left with is one of the best online casino platforms that you can find.
888 Holdings
Launched back in 1997, as Virtual Holdings Ltd, 888 is a name that is instantly recognised by casino players in the UK. Over the years, 888 has also acquired a host of other casino brands, all of which have proven to offer some of the best experiences that there are.
2005 was a big year for 888. It was the year that it went public and it was also the year that it was voted the Best Overall Online Gaming Operator and the Best Casino Operator of the year. Praise was heaped on 888’s offerings in terms of being responsive to customer wants as well as providing outstanding support.
What the Playtech and 888 Holdings partnership brings
As it stands, 888’s presence is fairly limited in the US. In fact, it only caters for players who are in the state of New Jersey. However, Playtech has been keen to point out that this is all set to change. It has stated that the new agreement will grow as 888 spreads across the country. The agreement is phrased to ensure that other states are covered as and when 888 gets licensed.
There is a great deal of excitement as to how this partnership is likely to grow. The aim, according to 888, is to provide more dynamic and entertaining games to players across the US. When you look at the history of Playtech, it is clear that it will play an integral part in this.
Playtech looking to grow across the US
It’s fair to say that Playtech is already a well-established name in the US. Having been proving games for bet365 in New Jersey, it is a brand that players are already familiar with and one that is liked and trusted. While Playtech has dipped its toe in the water elsewhere in the US, it is now intent on growing, and growing at pace.
While the partnership with 888 is set to be beneficial for both parties, for Playtech this is about expansion. It has identified 888 as being the best partner to help it with its aims to conquer the US iGaming market.
A move into live games
When you think about live dealer games, the provider that first springs to mind are Evolution. This is a company that specialised in these types of games from day one and established itself as the market leader. What is happening right now is that Playtech is vying to become the best in this area. The fact that Playtech is venturing into this market is great news. It ensures that players have plenty of choices and are getting to enjoy new experiences.
To show that it is more than just a little serious about its commitment to the US, Playtech recently opened its new live casino studios in the country. Situated in New Jersey and Michigan, these are a great addition to the studios that are already operated in Europe and Asia. Placing studios in the US goes to prove that Playtech is in this for the long haul and will provide serious competition to Evolution.
More deals for 888
It’s not just Playtech that 888 has recently partnered with. Just a week before this deal, it also entered into a global agreement with EveryMatrix. This will see EveryMatrix use its platform so that all 888 games can be offered on the casino app.
EveryMatrix is another company that is keen to expand access the US. It is looking for approval now in Michigan, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Final thoughts on the Playtech and 888 Holdings partnership
It appears to be clear that the partnership between 888 and Playtech brings nothing but positives to casino players in the US. Of course, for the benefits to be fully realized there is a need for 888 to gain the necessary approvals to be licensed. With licences in place, this is a partnership that will allow these two greats to take the US by storm.
What will be particularly interesting is to see how things work out between Evolution and Playtech. With a new, sizeable, partner and a move into the live game arena, the truth is that Playtech has the potential to pose a significant threat. While Evolution has diversified by acquiring the likes of NetEnt, it’s core live gaming business may still suffer at the hands of Playtech.
| 21+ | Terms & Conditions Apply | NJ Residents Only | ||
| $25 FREE on Signup 100% up to $1.000 on First Deposit Hotspot Leaderboard | Visit Casino |
