888.com Signs Strategic Partnership with Sportech PLC
888.com, one of the world’s most popular gaming entertainment companies, announces a strategic partnership with Sportech PLC, one of the UK’s leading gaming businesses, in what represents a step-change for 888 in its B2B operations.
Under the partnership, 888 will power Sportech’s legendary brand and customer base with a turnkey online gaming operation including its market-leading gaming and back-end software, customer support and payments processing services. In addition, 888 will also provide knowledge services relating to Sportech’s marketing, brand and customer base, aiming to extend the reach of Sportech’s business.
“888 will power Sportech’s brand with its market-leading gaming and back-end software, customer support and payments processing services. 888 is an outstanding consumer brand in itself; however it is part of our strategy to be the engine behind other great brands via our strategic partnership programme and the strategic consulting skills we can offer. This phenomenal partnership represents the full evolution of our B2B offering and is a milestone agreement. ”
888 will also provide Sportech with international distribution services for the New Football Pools (”the Pools”). Leveraging Sportech’s brand and the re-launch of the Pools, 888 will also actively assist in marketing Sportech’s products to both 888’s and Sportech’s customers in the UK and worldwide, with a clear goal to achieve groundbreaking expansion.
888 believes that the combination of Sportech’s status as one of the most respected brands in global pools sports betting and 888’s software, operations, internet marketing and online gaming capabilities will yield significant mutual benefits. As such, 888 expects this agreement to be material in terms of its earnings in 2009 and beyond.
Gigi Levy, Chief Executive Officer of 888, commented:
“888 is an outstanding consumer brand in itself; however it is part of our strategy to be the engine behind other great brands via our strategic partnership programme and the strategic consulting skills we can offer. This phenomenal partnership represents the full evolution of our B2B offering and is a milestone agreement.”
Ian Penrose, Chief Executive Officer of Sportech, commented:
“This is a strong strategic partnership for Sportech. It offers an unparalleled opportunity for all of our products to be effectively marketed online. Importantly this extends beyond the traditional online poker and casino offering and includes the Pools business which we believe will become an international online gaming brand. This fits exactly with our strategy of reinvigorating the pools business and delivering an enhanced and modern product for today’s gaming customers.”
For further information, please contact Gill Carter at +00-350-49800 or newscom @ 888.com
Notes to editors:
About 888.com
888.com is one of the World’s leading gaming and entertainment companies. It has millions of members worldwide who enjoy its casino, bingo and poker rooms and receive an online gaming experience like no other.
Founded in 1997 - 888.com this year celebrates its 10th anniversary - by pioneers of the online gaming industry, 888.com has developed a strong brand grown by cutting-edge marketing through offline sponsorships, poker events, online collaborations and continual upgrading of its flagship online products; 888.com Casino, Bingo and Poker.
888.com’s goal is to provide quality entertainment to people who enjoy gambling, by giving them the opportunity to do so in a safe, fun, fair, regulated and secure environment. Its clients are its assets and it continually makes every effort to establish customer satisfaction by building relationships via service, honesty, advice and trust - with every member!
888.com operates under a license granted by the Government of Gibraltar for the purposes of operating an online casino and poker room. 888.com has adopted the code of conduct of the Interactive Gaming Council (IGC), of which it is a member.
888.com is operated by Cassava Enterprises (Gibraltar) Ltd. A registered company incorporated and located in Gibraltar (company registration number 83961). The company has other offices around the world and employs over 750 employees. 888.com can be used in 11 different languages in 176 countries worldwide.
A leading force in the gaming industry since 1997, 888.com continually strives to be the No.1 site. It was a founding member if eCOGRA, an independent standards authority for the industry committed to protecting online players around the world. It continually donates to UK and global charities and is working even harder on its CSR messages as well as promoting eCOGRA and providing an international framework of best operational and player practice requirements enforced through inspections, reviews and continuous monitoring by global audit companies.
888.com recently announced its first acquisition; the bingo business and assets from Globalcom Limited. Bingo games can now be found at 888.com as can other new offerings including Backgammon.
Further to the new site offerings and following significant technological investment, 888.com has recently embarked in to new on-land ventures; partnering with key brands to deliver specific propositions. Its first partnership, announced early 2007, is an innovative cooperation with Rileys snooker and pool clubs for which 888.com uses its online poker capabilities to power www.RileysPoker.com. 888.com has also seen the launch of mobile, in-flight, and in-hotel casino where customers can access their favourite games, not only from their computers but from mobile phones and televisions too.
Over the last 3 years, 888.com has been named Best Online Casino twice running and Best Online Operator of the Year at the eGaming Awards as well as being voted Best Online Casino at the Inside Edge Awards and most recently, being named Best Online Casino at the UK Gambling Awards.
Offline activity sits side by side the online business, complimenting 888.com’s position as the leading authority in gaming entertainment. 888.com is the main sponsor of UEFA Cup Champions Sevilla FC in Spain and the title sponsor of the 888.com World Snooker Championship held at The Crucible in Sheffield. 888.com also has individual associations with top snooker talents in the world; Ronnie O’Sullivan and 888.com World Champion John Higgins.
