The US division of UK-based betting operator Sportech PLC has inked a deal to supply Atlantic City’s Resorts Casino Hotel with an online casino platform. The platform, which Sportech will supply as part of a joint venture with Stockholm-based online gambling software outfit NYX Gaming Group, is expected to launch in January 2015. Both Sportech and NYX have pledged to split the platform’s estimated $4m cost. Sportech is already licensed to operate horserace wagering in the state, so clearing regulatory hurdles should be a breeze.
Resorts will become the seventh AC casino to take its action online since New Jersey launched its regulated online gambling market in November. A year ago, Resorts inked a prospective online poker deal with PokerStars, but the partnership has yet to bear fruit due to Stars’ inability to convince New Jersey regulators to approve its gaming license application.
The Sportech/NYX deal won’t affect the Stars deal, which has been given new life now that Amaya Gaming has acquired Stars and thus eliminated the Isai Scheinberg indictment issues. Although, with Amaya planning to expand Stars’ horizons beyond poker into other verticals, Sportech/NYX better hope their deal has a long timeline.
This is the second deal this week for Sportech, having just completed the acquisition of Bump Worldwide, the Toronto-based firm that provides electronic 50/50 raffles for North American pro sports franchises’ charitable foundations. Bump currently has deals with a dozen teams in the NBA, NFL, NHL and MLS, along with stock car racing’s Nascar. Bump’s current management team will remain in place as the two firms combine expertise to develop new platforms and applications for the 50/50 raffles.
Finally, Sportech PLC has appointed non-executive director Richard Roberts as executive director, effective July 14. Roberts is currently CEO of social casino developer Slingo Inc., which was acquired by RealNetworks last August. Roberts will also become president of digital for Sportech’s US operations.
