March 15. 2010 (CAP PR Wire) — Microgaming (www.microgaming.com), the world’s largest provider of online gaming software, has announced the launch of a brand new poker network for the Italian online gaming market. Having gained AAMS approval and completed a thorough beta testing period successfully, the network is now fully live, offering Italian players access to Microgaming’s world class poker tournament games.
Microgaming has worked in close collaboration with local parties to ensure that its world renowned back-office systems and support services have been appropriately customised to cater for the Italian market. The speed at which Microgaming can integrate its software product with operator systems is further testament to the company’s technological agility. This, together with Microgaming’s commitment to ensuring they are fully compliant with all Italian regulatory standards, has proved an appealing prospect for operators.
Ladbrokes is the first operator to join the new network. Negotiations are underway with a number of other operators too, who are keen to partner with Microgaming as a means of entering or solidifying their position in the rapidly growing Italian market.
Mattia Nicelli, CEO, Ladbrokes Italia, comments: “Microgaming has a proven track record in Poker as it hosts the most established poker network. Our decision to join its Italian Network is a strategic move that we believe will be of great benefit to our players. Drawing on its wealth of global and local expertise, together with its technological prowess, Microgaming has adapted its services in a way that caters to our specific needs, as we compete in the competitive Italian market. We are confident that this partnership will prove mutually beneficial and that Microgaming’s new venture targeting the Italian market will emulate the success it has experienced around the world.”
Roger Raatgever, CEO, Microgaming, comments: “The launch of Microgaming’s Italian Poker Network is another example of Microgaming bringing the highest global standards to local markets. We have worked tirelessly to ensure that the new poker network is fit for purpose to meet the needs of the Italian player-base, as well as the Italian regulatory standards. The initial offering of poker tournament games to the network’s player community represents a solid foundation upon which to build, and Microgaming is currently working within regulatory parameters to develop the poker games portfolio further.
“With the Italian market set to become increasingly open and competitive in the months to come, we are confident that we have the right resources and alliances to support our operators and help them to succeed. Italy is an important region for the future of gaming in Europe, as it has set the standard for other countries wishing to introduce gaming regulations; it is a crucial gateway for further EU expansion. We remain committed to the Italian market and are keen to play our part in helping our licensees take full advantage of the opportunities that lie therein, and beyond.”
Visit Microgaming at ENADA, Rimini 17th – 20th March 2010 in hall C stand 011.
For further information, please contact:
Duncan Skehens / Lizzi Malley / Lyndsay Haywood
Lansons Communications
020 7490 8828
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About Microgaming (www.microgaming.com)
Since the company developed the first true online Casino software over a decade ago, it has led the industry in providing innovative, reliable gaming solutions. Thanks to an unrivalled R&D programme, that averages 60 games per year and a unique ‘partnership’ approach to working with operators;
Microgaming software powers over 160 market-leading online gaming sites.
The company’s front and back-end software supports multi-player, multi-language games – over 450 of them, all uniquely branded and provides platforms for land-based and wireless gaming. Microgaming powers the world’s largest Progressive Jackpot Network and has paid out over €265million. In May 2009 it created the biggest ever online jackpot winner with a single payment win of €6.37m.
As a founding member of eCOGRA, Microgaming is at the forefront of an initiative focused on setting the highest standards in the gaming industry, and leads in the areas of fair gaming, responsible operator conduct and player protection. Microgaming has been awarded eCOGRA’s Certified Software Seal following a rigorous onsite assessment to ensure that the development, implementation and maintenance of the software is representative of industry best practice standards Microgaming licensees are therefore eligible to apply for the eCOGRA Safe & Fair Seal.