Playtech Plot Dominance of European Online Casino Industry

Playtech once again hit the headlines this week, with a second announcement that they intend to acquire any European online gambling companies that are struggling to survive in an aggressive strategic plan to monopolize the European market.

Playtech's Vice-Chairman Avigur Zmora announced, "We are looking for the opportunity and when the opportunity is there we usually move very quickly. We think that this is the right time to prepare the company to be almost the only alternative out there."

The Israeli-run Playtech was one of the few software providers that completely exited the US market once the states passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act in October of 2006. Although their decision may have appeared hasty at the time, their decision may prove to be vindicated as they capture a new demographic of customers – not just geographically, but also through their blossoming connections with online poker and sports betting sites.

Zmora announced that Playtech was looking to add sports betting software to its offerings, making it a "one-stop-shop" for online gambling technology.

"We want to have a sports book to give the whole suit of services to our licensees. What is happening at the moment in the markets is working in our favor. People see their shares slumping whether it's related to their business or not".

By offering software that covers all the needs for those in the gambling world, Playtech will position themselves so that when the regulations are established in the UK, and eventually in the US, companies will look towards Playtech as the industry's leading software provider. Their major competition comes from Cryptologic which powers the ever popular InterCasino, and the Microgaming network which includes casinos such as Prime Casino and River Belle Casino.

Some of the major Playtech online casinos include 32 Vegas Casino, Euro Grand Casino and Skykings Casino.

Will Playtech's aggressive market positioning in the online casino industry continue or will some of the smaller software providers be able to challenge their dominance?

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