Playtech enters US with Scientific Games deal

Playtech, a software provider that runs many online casinos, has signed a deal with Scientific Games, the enormous gaming services provider in the United States. There are many motives behind the deal, with the most important one being the ability to enter into the global lottery market.

Scientific Games is one of the biggest lottery system providers in the world. Its customers include the National Lottery operator in the UK, Camelot, as well as lotteries in countries all over the world including China. It also supplies 32 US jurisdictions, meaning Playtech has found a way back into the market that it was forced to leave in 2006. Playtech's move will also allow it to benefit from the growth plans of the state lottery operator.

This will boost its Videobet machines business and provide it with access to numerous government contracts at the same time. UK betting shops will see 13,500 of Playtech's Videobet terminals arrive following the deal, and Playtech will also help to supply the video betting terminals.

The news was well received on the stock market, with Playtech's shares up 18 percent to 515p. The chief executive of the company, Mor Weizer, said that the move "secures our position in the US and provides a great opportunity if and when the US market is regulated."