Launches and sign-ups 15 January 2014
Launches and sign-ups from the egaming industry in the last seven days (9 January to 15 January 2014)
Gamesys debuts Virgin Poker on Facebook
Newly developed poker product gets first outing on social network “ real-money version set for New Jersey in H1
Gamesys has launched a freemium version of its newly-developed Virgin Poker product on Facebook as it prepares for a real-money launch in New Jersey in the first half of 2014.
The app, which has more than 8,000 players on the social network, is currently in beta phase and represents Gamesys’ first venture into the poker space. It is initially being tested in selected markets including Canada.
A cash poker product using the same platform is expected to launch in New Jersey during the first half of this year as part of Gamesys’ partnership with the Tropicana Casino. Virgin Casino and Tropicana Casino sites are already live in the state.
The Facebook game offers a range of tournaments and ring games, with a fast-fold poker version coming soon. It also features The Academy, allowing players to take part in a “poker masterclass” in which they get tips and lessons on how to improve their game.
Full Tilt launches first casino products
Full Tilt launched its first casino games last week with multiplayer freeplay versions of blackjack and roulette released in selected markets as part of a testing period and real-money products in current and additional test markets to follow.
The move into the casino space was announced last summer with parent company the Rational Group appointing former Betfair director Sam Hobcraft to manage the new portfolio.
Prior to the deal, it was widely thought PokerStars was highly unlikely to venture into casino, and the launch of casino games by Full Tilt marks the first time Rational has launched any non-poker gaming products.
Seven days in launches and sign-ups:
Zynga debuts real-money poker on Facebook
Social gaming operator Zynga has launched a real-money poker product on Facebook utilising software from bwin.party.
ZyngaPlusPoker is a standalone app with no direct links to Zynga’s freeplay Texas Hold’em Poker product on Facebook and is currently only available to Facebook users in the UK.
The Gibraltar-licensed ZyngaPlusPoker, which also includes a free-to-play variant, features the full partypoker product and is Zynga’s first real-money offering on the social network.
Betfred releases first Windows gambling app
Betfred has released the first gambling application to be available to download from both Windows and Windows Phone stores.
The free lottery app allows players to bet on 12 international lotteries with draws taking place daily. Lucky dip and saved favourite number functions have been incorporated in the design of the app, which took eight weeks to develop, with first time users receiving a £5 match bet as a welcoming bonus.
Chris Sheffield, managing director at Betfred.com, said the launch was a coup for the company.
Paddy Power adds native iPad app to mobile portfolio
Irish operator Paddy Power has released a new native sportsbook app for the iPad as it continues its rollout of new mobile products in 2014.
Paddys claim the app is the “first ever sports betting app to be designed specifically for the iPad”.
The app which has been in development for over a year includes a “clean and logical” navigation system as well as a gesture-based user interface.
Quickspin seals bet365 content deal
Swedish games supplier Quickspin has signed what it describes as a “landmark deal” to supply bet365 with its entire suite of slots content.
The Stockholm-based firm, whose slots titles include Rapunzel and Big Bad Wolf, has signed a multi-year supply deal with the Stoke-based operator.
Quickspin signed its first UK deal almost a year ago with Gala Interactive, which followed similar supplier agreements with the likes of Mr Green, Betsson and Betclic Expekt.
15 Marketing to launch bonus-free network
Bingo affiliate and marketing company 15 Marketing is preparing to launch a brand new single-balance bingo network with its founder saying the “bonus cash war” is over.
According to managing director and founder Ben Starr, skins launched on the network will be unique in that they will operate without bonus money or loyalty points, the current backbone of bingo marketing strategy.
Rather than offering non-withdrawable first deposit bonuses, new customers will be given a free wheel spin which will determine a number of free games that will enable customers to win real cash prizes.
Microgame strikes new bingo deal with Isis Lab
Italian software provider Microgame is to add Isis Lab’s bingo platform to its product portfolio of egaming products after signing a two-year deal with the Canada-based technology provider.
The contract will see Isis Lab launch its bingo gaming platform and related services on the Microgame platform, with up to 125 of the Italian firm’s existing operators expected to tap into the service.
According to Isis Lab, the platform will launch in the Italian market later this quarter, subject to approval from TSX Venture Exchange and Italian regulator AAMS.
UK operator BetVictor has signed a deal with Initial Rewards to launch a new instant reward promotion to help boost play on cash poker games. Victor’s Wheel allows players to spin a wheel after playing a certain amount of hands through which they can claim prizes including tournament chips and cash rewards. According to figures from the two companies, since launching the promotion qualifying raked hands have increased 52% whilst player numbers have also increased by 20%.