Playtech steps up mobile and social push
Chief executive Mor Weizer describes Mobenga acquisition as key to software provider's development.
Playtech intends to build on the early success of newly acquired business Mobenga to make its mobile offering more customer-centric, chief executive Mor Weizer revealed in an analyst call following yesterday’s second-quarter KPIs.
Revealing ambitions for a “one-stop shop” offering, Weizer lamented the industry for going “back in time” in terms of mobile development.
“In mobile, the industry went back in time with what it offers, and what operators offer to customers,” adding “Until recently, most companies had different apps for casino, poker, betting, and so on, and were bringing players through without converting them into gaming.”
He explained that Mobenga, acquired in July 2011 for up to 23.8m, “continues to perform above expectations,” with the recently launched Paddy Power app “ the first collaboration between Playtech and the Swedish-founded mobile developer “ releasing nine games to date.
However, the next step, set to be realised through a deal with an unnamed “leading UK operator” this year, is “To provide all products within a mobile app so once you deposit within sports operator you can do other gaming activities at half-time in the game.
“The next step is making this all seamless, and allowing the player to deposit only once,” Weizer explained.
Responding to yesterday’s launch of Gamesys’ real-money Bingo Friendzy app on Facebook, the first of its kind on the social network, Playtech’s chief executive suggested the company was “Well positioned” to take advantage of any egaming opportunities offered by the recently floated business.
“We can only assume gaming being a significant contributor to Facebook, they see it as a natural step forward in regulated markets where Facebook will allow real-money play,” he said, adding that “We support that taking place under regulatory regimes in the same way it takes place outside Facebook, and we welcome it and believe it will be positive for all companies involved.”
Weizer also made reference to June’s social licensing agreement with Skywind Holdings Ltd, which also covers certain real-money mobile poker and casino software, noting that “Our agreement earlier this year with Skywind, and that coupled with our leading bingo product provides a great [social gaming] opportunity for Playtech and its licensees.”