Playtech’s Future: U.S. Market, after Gambling Law Changes

Posted: September 6, 2010

Updated: October 4, 2017

Any businessman will tell you that a key to success is the ability to look forward; no one can doubt the abilities

Any businessman will tell you that a key to success is the ability to look forward; no one can doubt the abilities of online casino software giant Playtech in this area, as the firm continues with an eye on marketing its product in the United States – even though the highly restrictive American gambling laws might not chance for years to come.

In late August, Playtech officials were able to announce payout of an interim dividend 6% higher than last year’s after posting strong results in the first half of 2010. At that time, Playtech cited its new deals in France and Italy plus the forward-looking joint-venture deal the company had signed with William Hill sportsbook in 2008.

It now seems as though Playtech is learning to do good business in regulated markets and is happy to wait for appropriate legislation to emerge out of the U.S. Congress. Playtech CEO Mor Weizer told Dow Jones news last week that though “the timing is not clear,” the company does “see genuine and positive momentum” toward full regulation of online casinos in the U.S.

More interestingly, Weizer indicated that “We see a lot of interest from operators in the U.S. and we are in discussions with various local groups.”

Nobody knows when legislators might finally give the people what they want and open up online casinos and internet poker in the United States, but it appears Playtech will be poised and ready for business on that day.