Playtech Casino & Gaming News 2007

[Newsflash]

11.07.2007

Agreement signed with Mansion

Playtech, the international designer, developer and licensor of software for the online and land-based gaming industry, announces today that it has signed a new casino software licence with MANSION, the international online Casino, Poker and Internet Betting Exchange entertainment company.
Under the terms of the licence agreement, Playtech will provide MANSION with its download casino portfolio of over 90 games, and integrate its industry leading back-end with MANSION’s system. The product will be tailored to meet the global demand for a range of local style games for players around the world. Playtech and MANSION are also discussing the possibility of extending the range of products that Playtech will provide to MANSION.

Mor Weizer, Chief Executive Officer of Playtech, commented today:

“We are delighted to have signed this new licence agreement with Mansion and look forward to a productive working relationship. The agreement reflects our ability to provide high quality gaming products which are suited to the local gaming customs of players around the world. We are delighted that Playtech continues to attract well known names that are able to capitalise on our market leading position and utilise our advanced applications and platforms.”

Guy Gussarsky, Chief Executive Officer for MANSION Limited, said:

“The addition of the new Casino Download complements our existing product and services. With a mandate to deliver a quality gaming experience for the online Casino enthusiast the world over, our Members have switched onto the absolute best of both worlds in Casino gaming entertainment.”

[Newsflash]

24.07.2007

Playtech Ups its Casino Games Package with Four New Additions

Playtech, the designer, developer and licensor of software for the gaming industry announces the addition of four new games to its casino games package.
The latest games release includes two exclusive to Playtech table games, 21 Duel Blackjack and Wild Viking, which are the first in a line of exclusive games licensed from the 5th element company. The two additional games in the release, Forest of Wonders and Wanted, are first-class 25-line video slots games which continue Playtech’s tradition of frequently releasing high quality games that combine cutting-edge graphics with exciting bonus rounds and special features.

21 Duel Blackjack is played according to standard Blackjack rules with the exception of the communal cards, a concept that has both the player and the dealer basing their hand on the same two cards. Wild Viking combines the classic table games of Roulette and Poker with a variety of exciting new bet options like a special Wild Viking bet and a progressive side bet. Wild Viking also features Playtech’s first online interactive tutorial.

Forest of Wonders features a strong fantasy forest theme and includes two bonus rounds, one granting players free spins and the other letting players choose from forest-themed symbols to enhance their win. Wanted integrates a Wild West theme and features two bonus rounds, a Mini Bonus and a Shoot the Villain Bonus, both offering enhanced payouts. Each of these exciting new 5-reel 25-line video slots has incorporated the Dollar Ball progressive side bet into their interface.

Mor Weizer, Playtech CEO commented: “These new games reflect Playtech’s efforts to frequently release high quality games to our licensees. We are very excited that this release includes two exclusive to Playtech games as it provides our licensees with a distinct advantage over their competitors.”

[Newsflash]

25.07.2007

Second Quarter Trading Update

Playtech Limited ("Playtech" or "the Company") Second Quarter Trading Update

Playtech, the international designer, developer and licensor of software for the online and land-based gaming industry, announces today it's trading update for the second quarter and the first half of 2007.

Financial Highlights
(All 2006 revenues exclude contributions from the US unless otherwise stated)

• Total revenues for the quarter were $24.2 million representing an increase of 22% on the $19.8 million achieved in Q1 2007 and an increase of 76% on the $13.8 million in Q2 2006:

- Casino revenues totalled $17.4 million, an increase of 15% from $15.2 million in Q1 2007 and an increase of 46% from $11.9 million in Q2 2006

- Poker revenues totalled $6.3 million, an increase of 50% from $4.2 million in Q1 2007 and an increase of 288% from $1.6 million in Q2 2006

• Total revenues for H1 2007 were $44.0 million representing an increase of 80% compared to H1 2006

- Casino revenues increased by 53% compared to H1 2006 to $32.6 million

- Poker revenues increased by 275% compared to H1 2006 to $10.5 million

• Total revenues in Q2 2007 decreased by 5% from the $25.4 million in Q2
2006 (including contribution from the US)

- Casino revenues decreased by 21% from $22.2 million in Q2 2006

- Poker revenues increased by 132% from $2.7 million in Q2 2006

Licensees

In the first six months of 2007, Playtech has gained a total of 12 new licensees, eight of which are Tribeca migrated licensees now successfully operating on Playtech's poker network, and which have contributed fully to the Q2 revenues. In addition, Playtech entered into four additional licence agreements, one for the casino product, one for the poker product, one taking all current products available and the other catering to the Chinese market by offering Playtech's p2p tournament product.

Bingo and Casino Products

Playtech's Bulgarian subsidiary continues to develop the bingo product. In May 2007, Playtech launched a new version of bingo which significantly improved the player experience whilst upgrading the bingo engine and the back office tools. In July 2007, Playtech introduced a flash version of bingo, which was launched with three of its licensees. It is intended that this product will be fully deployed with all bingo licensees in Q4 2007.

Playtech continues to increase the range of games it offers to licensees, both through internal development and by licensing content from third party IP rights holders.

Geographical Analysis

The Tribeca migrated licensees are focused on the European market, which has resulted in strong European revenue growth in the second quarter. The Asian market has been stable during the second quarter. The restructuring of one of the Company's Asian licensees, as previously stated in the Q1 KPI announcement, is now mostly completed.

Current Trading

Playtech concluded a very positive first half of 2007. The Group's leading position in both the casino and poker software industry continues to attract new licensees and this trend is expected to continue in the second half of the year. In addition, the Company's existing licensees are experiencing continued growth, which is being bolstered by the cross selling benefits available via Playtech's platform.

Since the beginning of Q3, the Group is experiencing growth across all business areas and this trend is expected to continue, despite such quarter traditionally being a slow period for the online gaming industry. The Group also aims to further diversify its revenue stream through the introduction of its new products by the end of the year.

Mor Weizer, Chief Executive Officer, commenting on the results, said today:

"The first six months has been an outstanding period for the Group, with the addition of 12 new licensees and growth experienced across all business areas. During the first half of 2007, Playtech gained a leading position with its poker offering and is now the world's largest independent poker network. Such a position, alongside the Company's market leading casino offering will continue to attract new licensees in the second half of 2007. The Group continues to invest in its new product pipeline in order to gain additional revenue streams and to maximise cross selling opportunities to its existing and future licensees."

Mehr zum Thema: Playtech - Second Quarter Trading Update

[Newsflash]

02.08.2007

Playtech’s WinAJackpot.com Pays Out $4.8 Million Jackpot Prize

Playtech, the designer, developer and licensor of software for the gaming industry announces that WinAJackpot.com, the first progressive network to combine online and landbased jackpots via Playtech and its subsidiary Videobet, has recently paid out a jackpot prize of more than $4.8 million dollars.
Sunday July 22nd Heinrich S. hit Beach Life’s progressive jackpot of $4,801,527 by making a $10 bet while playing at African Palace Casino.

Beach Life, Playtech’s first 20 line progressive video slots, has proven to be very popular among players through its combination of a high hit frequency and a compelling design themed around recreational scenes from the beach and ocean. Beach Life offers one of the fastest replenishment rates in the industry, a fact made evident by the accumulation of a huge jackpot in the eight months since its release. Beach Life’s recent release late last year is the latest in a long line of compelling progressive jackpot games that Playtech has developed to offer its licensees an attractive Casino offering.

Mor Weizer, Playtech CEO commented: “Beach Life’s incredible jackpot payout is just the latest example of Playtech’s efforts to provide the industry with highly exciting and financially rewarding games. The fact that Beach Life’s jackpot accumulated this large sum in such a short time goes to show that players know that Playtech software offers them the biggest chance of becoming millionaires. Everyone at Playtech is really pleased with Heinrich’s outstanding jackpot win and we wish him the best of luck in all his endeavors.”

More on Winajackpot.com
WinAJackpot.com is a portal designed to broaden the appeal of Playtech’s hit progressive jackpot games and generate a rich added source of traffic for its licensees. Players can choose from several jackpot games featuring multiple bonus stages and offering millions of dollars in prize money. The site features real-time jackpot counters, latest and biggest winners' lists, game previews and player testimonials, plus profiles of all participating casinos.
Website: www.winajackpot.com

[Newsflash]

10.08.2007

Licence Agreement Signed with PKR
Playtech Ltd ("Playtech" or "the Company")
Licence Agreement Signed with PKR

Playtech will provide PKR.com with a bespoke online casino which will further enhance the next generation poker room's already rich and diverse player experience by providing access to a variety of market leading casino games.

In less than a year of operation the company has fast become a major force in the online poker market growing rapidly to currently boasting over 7,000 concurrent players at peak times. By providing a PKR branded casino product, fully integrated with PKR.com's proprietary next-generation 3-D poker software, Playtech will allow PKR to maximise revenue generation from its operations to meet the current and future demands of its already large and expanding user base.

Mor Weizer, Chief Executive Officer of Playtech, commented today:
"We are delighted to have signed this agreement with PKR.com and very much look forward to helping the company enhance its players' all round experience and through this the company's revenue generating potential. PKR.com is a highly respected operator in the online poker market with a unique offering to both the 3D and gaming console markets. As such this opens up a whole new demographic for Playtech which will now be able to enjoy our market leading casino gaming platform married seamlessly with the high quality 3D poker experience that PKR.com's customers have come to expect."

Malcolm Graham, Chief Executive Officer of PKR, commented today:
"PKR is very pleased to have entered into this partnership with Playtech, and we look forward to working with the Playtech team to develop an online casino which reflects PKR's core values of unrivalled customer experience and deep technical skills. PKR chose Playtech as its online casino partner because they have an incredible track record of technical innovation and we know their team can deliver a product which we will both be very proud of."

For Further Information:

Mor Weizer, CEO, Playtech Ltd
c/o Bell Pottinger Tel: +44 (0) 20 7861 3232
http://www.playtech.com

David Rydell / Peter Otero / Antonia Coad
Bell Pottinger Corporate & Financial Tel. +44 (0) 20 7861 3232

About Playtech

Playtech develops unified software platforms for the online gambling industry, primarily targeting existing online operators wanting to upgrade their system; sportsbooks looking to diversify and land-based operators making their online debut. Playtech gaming applications - online casino, poker, bingo, mobile
gaming, live gaming, land-based kiosk networks and fixed-odds games - are fully intercompatible and can be freely incorporated as stand-alone applications, accessed and funded by players through the same user account and managed by the operator by means of a single powerful management interface. Founded in 1999, Playtech has over 500 personnel distributed globally, around eighty percent of whom are engaged in research and development of current and future gaming technologies.

Website: www.playtech.com

About PKR

PKR Ltd is the largest independent online 3D poker operator, licensed and regulated by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC). PKR uses advanced gaming technology to serve the game of poker and enhance our user's experience in ways no other poker room can. PKR's unique 'Emote control' technology, combined with a number of other one-of-a-kind game features mean players on PKR can interact and engage with the game and each other in way that's personal, involving and highly entertaining.

Website: www.pkr.com

[Newsflash]

05.09.2007

Interim Results for the Six Months Ended 30 June 2007
Playtech Limited ("Playtech" or "the Group")
Interim Results for the Six Months Ended 30 June 2007

Financial Highlights*

• Total Revenues up by 80% to $44.0 million (2006 - $24.5 million)
Casino revenues up by 53% to $32.6 million (2006 - $21.3 million)

Poker revenues up by 275% to $10.5 million (2006 - $2.8 million)

• Current monthly royalty run rate now back to pre-October 2006 peak levels

• EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation), up by 2% to US$30.7 million (2006 - $30.2 million including US revenues)

• Basic EPS of 13.5 cents (2006 - 14.7 cents including US revenues)

• Interim dividend of 6.1 cents per share equating to approximately US$13 million to be paid on 19 October 2006.

*Unless otherwise stated revenue numbers are excluding US. (See reconciliation table included in financial review section below)

Operational Highlights

• Acquired Tribeca assets fully integrated making Playtech the world's largest independent online poker network (www.pokersitescout.com)

• 12 new licensees added (8 migrated from Tribeca) catering to European and
Asian markets

• New Indian and Philippines development centres now successfully integrated and new Bulgarian subsidiary is operating well

• Strong pipeline of new products aimed specifically at Asian and European markets

• Further investment in development, and pre and post sale resources bringing the total number of Playtech employees to over 550

• Land-based subsidiary Videobet expanding potential market through the introduction of unique switchable technology encompassing both server based and stand alone machine technology
Mor Weizer, Chief Executive, commented:

"This has been another highly successful first half for Playtech and we continue to enhance our position as the world's leading software solution provider to the gaming industry. The Group has further strengthened its foothold through the development of its relationship with existing licensees and through gaining additional licensees, as well as developing products specifically aimed at the Asian markets. We are also focusing on cross selling opportunities to existing licensees through the addition of supplementary gaming products. Playtech has a very healthy pipeline of new business for the second half of the year and we look forward to making continuing strong progress."

[Newsflash]

04.10.2007

Directorate Change - Appointment of New Chief Financial Officer

Playtech (AIM: PTEC), the international designer, developer and licensor of software to the online and land-based gaming industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of Guy Moshe Emodi to the Board as Executive Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Company. The appointment is to take place with immediate
effect.


Guy Moshe Emodi, 43, holds an MBA from the London Business School (LBS) UK. He has more than 18 years of experience in international finance during which he was involved in transactions totalling more than $5 billion.

Prior to joining Playtech, Guy was Chief Executive Officer of Ocif India LTD, a Real Estate Investment subsidiary of Ocif (TSE: OCIF), where he headed up a new investment venture in India.

Before this, Guy spent eight years with Partner Communications LTD (NASDAQ: PTNR, LSE: PCCD), four of them as Director of Finance and CFO of Partner Comunications 2000 Ltd, where he oversaw Partner's growth from a start up business to becoming a leading mobile phone provider.

Mor Weizer, Chief Executive of Playtech, said:

"We are delighted to welcome Guy to the Board of Playtech. His experience in high level international finance and the technology sector means that he has an excellent understanding of the demands of a publicly listed company, and will be of enormous benefit to Playtech."

Roger Withers, Chairman of Playtech, commented:

"Guy has a high reputation in financing and banking circles and we are very pleased to welcome him on board. With his LBS MBA and his previous industry experience, he will be a good cultural fit both on the Board of Playtech and in the City."

Mr Emodi is currently a non-executive director of Intercure LTD. During the past five years has held directorships in the following companies, of which he is no longer a director:

Ocif India Ltd
Marthon Venture Capital Fund
Israel Management Institute
Bamboo Ltd
Platinet Ltd
Estimotion Ltd

There are no further matters to be disclosed under Schedule 2 (G) of the AIM Rules.

[Newsflash]

16.10.2007

bet365 move poker to Playtech

Playtech, the designer, developer and licensor of software to the international online and land-based gaming industry, today announces it has successfully integrated and migrated the online poker gaming activities of Hillside (Gibraltar) Ltd ("bet365") to the Playtech iPoker platform.

bet365, a valued client of Playtech, recognised as one of the world's leading online gambling operators, is migrating its poker operations, after having migrated its casino products to Playtech in 2005.

The long term contract with Playtech is for an initial term of 3 years and will also cover the integration of all of bet365's poker, mobile and Asian P2P games in order to maximise the cross-selling opportunities available to the company. The migration follows bet365 extending its existing casino contract for a further 3 years.

iPoker is the world's largest independent poker network. bet365 is planning to utilise the iPoker network to target both European and Asian markets with a range of customised language and culture specific games.

Mor Weizer, Chief Executive of Playtech, said:

"We are delighted that bet365 has extended its relationship with Playtech to include its Poker operations. bet365 is a highly respected operator in the market and we have very much enjoyed working with them on their casino offering since 2005. The fact that it has today migrated its poker operations is a testament to the strength and success of our relationship and we look forward to similar successes going forward.

Steve Ibberson Managing Director of Hillside (Gibraltar) Limited, added:

"We are very pleased with the smooth and successful migration of our poker product to the iPoker network. After careful consideration of our options, we selected Playtech as our preferred exclusive software provider for our combined casino, poker, mobile and Asian P2P activities. Playtech's expertise in penetrating global market places was of particular interest to us."

[Newsflash]

22.10.2007

Playtech’s Multi-Million Dollar Progressive Jackpot is Available on Mobile

Playtech announces that it has recently launched the popular Gold Rally progressive jackpot on its mobile platform, allowing players the chance to win multi-million Gold Rally jackpots on their mobile.

WinAJackpot.com is a portal designed to broaden the appeal of Playtech’s hit progressive jackpot games like Gold Rally, a very popular progressive 8-line Wild West themed slot game featuring two interactive bonus stages. The link to Playtech’s mobile product gives players the chance to win progressive jackpots in the multi-million dollar range while playing on their mobiles.

Playtech's mobile product supports a huge variety of handsets ranging from entry-level mass market models to high-end smartphones and has been created to quickly facilitate support for future handset devices. The mobile product features advanced technology that successfully duplicates the feeling of computer gameplay to the mobile device offering a complete mobile player experience without having to access a PC including an in-game signup option and a wireless Cashier supporting the most popular deposit and withdrawal methods. The player experience is optimized through a user-friendly interface that utilizes the most up to date graphic and audio technologies including real sound effects. Playtech's development policy has created a fully branded mobile product that successfully transports a casino's look and feel onto the mobile handset.

The mobile product has already been released to a number of Playtech licensees and was initially launched with a selection of the most successful and popular Playtech games including Blackjack, Roulette, video slots as well as video pokers. In line with its high game integration rate policy which allows for the quick merging of new game additions into the mobile product, Playtech devotes significant resources to its mobile games development capabilities.

Mor Weizer Playtech CEO commented: “We are very pleased with the mobile link to the WinAJackpot.com progressive network. This connection greatly enhances our mobile products appeal as the ability to offer multi-million dollar jackpots on a mobile device is a highly attractive incentive for any operator.”

[Newsflash]

24.10.2007

Playtech Raises the Bar with Two New Casino Games

Playtech continues to expand its casino games package with the addition of two new games.

The two new games, Bonus Bears and What’s Cooking, are both video slots games that emphasize captivating graphics and animations and make use of a variety of new features with the goal of enhancing the player experience and increasing the game’s life cycle. This release comes on top of a number of new and exclusive games that Playtech has released in the last few months.

Bonus Bears is a 25-line video slots game that is based on an Alpine picnic theme and features two bonus rounds – a Free Spins round in which winnings are tripled and a graphically rich bonus round where winnings are collected as the bear climbs a tree chosen by the player. Additional User Interface improvements aimed at enhancing the gaming experience include a variety of reel-action enhancements.

What’s Cooking is a kitchen-themed 30-line video slots game featuring the Dollar ball sidegame and a bonus round that grants players free spins with a win multiplier. In the Free Spin bonus round the player makes a sandwich, with the different types triggering free spins and multipliers. What’s Cooking also features various User Interface improvements like an attractive intro clip every time the player enters the game and a variety of reel-action enhancements.

Mor Weizer, Playtech CEO commented: “The latest release has brought the number of games in our casino package to nearly 120. The games reflect our efforts to release more games in greater frequency and lead the industry by implementing highly innovative ideas and concepts into our games. We’re especially pleased with the new features in the User Interface which should provide players with an improved gaming experience. The addition of these games greatly enhances our product and further strengthens our position as the leading software provider to the online gaming industry.”