Microgaming launches Italy poker network with Ladbrokes
Microgaming has launched a new poker network for Italy, Europe's largest egaming market, with Ladbrokes the network's first customer.
MICROGAMING has launched a new Italian poker network, with Ladbrokes its first customer.
Having already won approval from Italian regulator AAMS, the network is now live and a statement released by Microgaming said that “negotiations are underway with a number of other operators too”.
Microgaming chief executive Roger Raatgever said: “Italy is an important region for the future of gaming in Europe, as it has set the standard for other countries wishing to introduce gaming regulations; it is a crucial gateway for further EU expansion. We remain committed to the Italian market and are keen to play our part in helping our licensees take full advantage of the opportunities that lie therein, and beyond.”
The poker network’s back-office systems and support services have been customised to cater for the Italian market, Europe’s largest online gambling jurisdiction by revenue, with Ladbrokes Italy chief executive Mattia Nicelli adding that “Microgaming has adapted its services in a way that caters to our specific needs as we compete in the competitive market.”
As reported on EGRmagazine.com, in December Ladbrokes revealed plans to launch an online poker tournament service in Italy the next month after receiving a licence from Italian regulator AAMS.
The launch follows that of Ladbrokes’ Italian sportsbook, and chief executive Christopher Bell confirmed that the company will offer poker cash games, bingo and casino into the market this year as regulation allows. Offering online bingo in Italy became legal again this month following the reversal of a regional court’s decision to suspend laws regulating the game.
In other Italian egaming news recently, the acquisition of Italian operator Gioco Digitale saw Bwin’s fourth quarter gross gaming revenue (GGR) rise 13%, reflecting strong growth in Italian poker.