31.07.2006
PLAYBOY DEALS ITSELF INTO INTERNET POKER - WITH CRYPTOLOGIC
First-ever Playboy poker site to be powered by CryptoLogic's award-winning software
July 31, 2006 (Toronto, ON) - CryptoLogic Inc., a leading software developer to the global Internet gaming market, announced today that its award-winning poker software will launch the first Playboy-branded Internet poker site, targeting markets around the world, excluding the United States.
Under an exclusive three-year licensing contract between CryptoLogic's wholly-owned subsidiary, WagerLogic Limited, and Oceania Caribe Licensing N.V., CryptoLogic will be the sole software product used for the Playboy Internet poker site. The companies already have a similar exclusive arrangement announced on May 10 to launch a new Playboy casino site. The agreement comprises a complete turnkey solution including customer support services, e-cash management and marketing support.
"Whether it's on TV, in print or online, Playboy is one of the world's premier entertainment brands, and CryptoLogic's poker software can take it to new people and new places," said Lewis Rose, CryptoLogic's President and CEO. "Playboy will soon join other blue-chip companies that use both our casino and poker products to bring more innovative entertainment concepts to gamers around the world."
The new agreement provides Playboy with one of the Internet's most extensive online poker offerings - and participation in one of the top five revenue-generating Internet poker networks - powered by CryptoLogic-developed software.
The poker site will use a similar marketing model to the casino site by offering unique "money can't buy" promotions for players, Playboy merchandise, invitations to Playboy-hosted events and trips to the legendary Playboy Mansion. Reflecting CryptoLogic's global diversification strategy, Playboy plans to market its Internet gaming sites in markets around the world, excluding the United States. These sites will receive prominent placement in Playboy's international print, online and media outlets. Playboy operates an extensive international business, with 21 localized international editions of Playboy magazine, wireless content available in over 30 countries and 25,000 retail outlets carrying Playboy-branded products around the world.
"In CryptoLogic, Playboy has found an innovative and proven partner who can help us capitalize on the growth and excitement of online poker," said Playboy's Chairman and CEO Christie Hefner. "With CryptoLogic's technical and industry strength and Playboy's global brand reach, our goal is to deliver an exceptional Playboy-gaming destination for online players."
"We're eager to expand our relationship with the addition of a Playboy poker site," said A.J. Slivinski, WagerLogic's Managing Director. "This agreement reinforces the value our products and expertise can provide to the world's top gaming and entertainment brands."
About Playboy (www.playboyenterprises.com)
Playboy Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: PLA, PLA.A) is a brand-driven, international multimedia entertainment company that publishes editions of Playboy magazine around the world; operates Playboy and Spice television networks and distributes programming globally via DVD and a network of websites including Playboy.com, a leading men's lifestyle and entertainment website; and licenses the Playboy and Spice trademarks internationally for a range of consumer products and services.
About Oceania Caribe
Oceania Caribe Licensing N.V. is a private operator in the Netherlands Antilles with the exclusive rights to the Playboy brand for use in its Internet gaming business.