European Operators and Software Providers Team Up

As several European countries move closer to legalization and regulation of online gambling, operators and potential licensees begin to prepare.

In anticipation of regulation, the state-owned gambling monopoly in Greece, OPAP, has been given several privileges. Among these is an extension of its contract to 2020. As its partnership with software provider Intralot finishes in 2012, it has now called for tenders for the contract.

OPAP will announce its choice of software provider within two months, but the chosen provider must prove their capability for OPAP's planned future expansion into video lotto and online betting. Two firms, Intralot and GTECH, are currently battling it out.

Meanwhile, Greece's Mediterranean cousin, Spain, is also drawing closer to legalization. Leading Spanish operator CIRSA has consequently partnered with software provider, Microgaming. Microgaming has crucial experience in providing software to operators in the recently regulated Italian and French markets. This experience, coupled with its impeccable global reputation, led CIRSA to choose Microgaming to provide online casino, bingo and poker software, and administrative services.

A CIRSA spokesman said, "We are delighted our players will be able to enjoy the world's most popular and exciting games and look forward to a long and happy working relationship." Roger Raatgever, CEO of Microgaming, also expressed satisfaction at the partnership.

Moving north, and Danish online sports betting and gaming group Sporting Bet plc has announced an agreement for the acquisition of Danish online operators Scandic Bookmakers Limited, Danbook Limited and SHL. The acquisition will be made through Sportingbet's subsidiaries, Interactive Sports Limited and Sportingbet Holdings Limited. Danbook and Scandic provide fixed odds sports betting, casino, poker and games in the unregulated online market.

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