As ever the M&A magnet these days (speculation in which, admittedly, we often indulge), the Times of London has reported Playtech Ltd. is in advanced talks with William Hill to do a software licensing deal.
These rumors are nothing new, however, as for months speculation has abounded regarding Hills' deal with CryptoLogic Ltd. -- exclusivity on which is set to expire in the coming months. Financial sources close to situation, with whom IGamingNews spoke this morning, were curious about the rumor but were unable to confirm its validity.
Presently, we've heard little more than CryptoLogic is working closely with William Hill to ensure the transition of its casino and poker offerings onto Hills' new platform, developed by Orbis Technology Ltd., which is set to go live this November.
Playtech, meanwhile, has done its fourth poker deal in Italy with Cogetech S.p.A., the land-based and online gambling operator. Like previous deals with Snai S.p.A., Sisal S.p.A. and Eurobet, the site will be available in play-for-fun format with real-money tournament play to be available later this year.
Elsewhere, Boss Media A.B., now a subsidiary of Lottomatica S.p.A., has launched a poker network in Italy. Boss Media is the latest to announce its Italian poker ambitions after Kenneth J. Alexander, the chief executive of Gaming VC Holdings, told IGN last week that the company planned to launch its poker site in Italy later this year.
Chris Krafcik is the editor of IGamingNews. He lives in St. Louis, Mo.