Internet gaming software developer CryptoLogic, through its subsidiary WagerLogic, announced today a three-year licensing agreement with adult entertainment company Playboy Enterprises and Oceana Caribe Licensing NV, a private operator in the Netherlands Antilles, to launch a new Playboy-branded gaming site.
The deal gives CryptoLogic another asset in its efforts to leverage the salability of major international entertainment brands.
"When we set out to find a partner for a new Playboy-branded Internet casino, CryptoLogic software was a natural fit," Playboy Chairman and CEO Christie Hefner said today in a prepared statement. "We needed a trusted, respected software provider like CryptoLogic who can deliver great entertainment with both integrity and innovation. The result will be a Playboy gaming site that promises an exceptional experience for players all over the world."
With the CryptoLogic partnership sealed, the status and fate of Playboy's three existing gambling sites is unclear.
Playboy partnered with British betting company Ladbrokes in February 2001 to develop PlayboySportsbook.com, which launched in May 2001, and PlayboyCasino.com, which launched in September of the same year. Through a separate partnership with Penn National Gaming, Playboy's pari-mutuel site, PlayboyRacingUSA.com, went live in August, 2001.
Even though the Playboy name already appears on three gambling sites, the new alliance, according to CryptoLogic, will "pave the way for a Playboy-branded Internet casino powered by CryptoLogic's software."
When asked by IGN for clarification on the effect the CryptoLogic partnership has on the existing gambling sites, Linda Marsicano of Playboy Enterprises responded, "We don't discuss specifics of our deals. "What I can tell you at this point is that we are very excited to be working with CryptoLogic and that the collaboration will provide a unique Playboy gaming site and a great experience for gamers."
The new site will not accept play from U.S.-based customers.