Grupo Caliente going online with Playtech; Experian acquires 192business; Fortuna profits drop

mexican mohicanMexican land-based firm Grupo Caliente inked a deal with Playtech to enter the online gaming industry. A software licensing agreement covers the Israeli-based firm’s online casino product including both table games and slots. It opens both up to the Mexican online market and being licensed by their regulator gives opportunities across Latin America. Playtech CEO Mor Weizer, said: “Our work with Caliente is in line with Playtech’s strategy of entering new regulated markets and diversifies the Company’s geographic footprint beyond its European and Asian marketplaces. We are very excited about this project and committed to making it a great success.”

There’s scope for the partnership to extend across Latin America “as opportunities arise.”

Experian has completed a deal to acquire identity verification firm 192business. The company, which numbers online gaming firms such as PKR.com on their client list, now comes under Experian’s Decision Analytics business line. Gary Wood, UK and Ireland managing director for Experian Decision Analytics, commented: “The combination of 192business’s technology and Experian’s data and analytics will help our clients in the UK and around the world to more effectively and efficiently establish the identities of genuine customers. We look forward to working together to drive greater innovation and insight for our clients.”

Eastern European betting firm Fortuna Entertainment Group experienced a drop in profits as they restructure the business. Profits were down 23.3% compared with the year as net income was down from €17.4m to €13.3m. It was put down to a €7m investment in new lottery systems that will begin to bear considerable fruit in 2013. They’re also putting more of a focus on mobile and online in the coming year.