Playtech strikes OPAP partnership, opens huge live casino studio

Playtech’s three-year agreement with OPAP covers the supply of self-service betting terminals, relevant software and services, as well as the subsequent introduction of an over-the-counter sports-betting solution.

Playtech BGT Sports will roll out the machines this year and will provide a fully-managed service to OPAP, including trading and over 25,000 in-play markets.

“There are multiple opportunities to further develop our relationship as OPAP looks to enhance its digital retail offering and we believe today's agreement marks the start of a long and successful relationship,” Playtech BGT Sports chief executive Armin Sageder said.

OPAP chief executive Damian Cope added: “The introduction of SSBTs is aligned with our strategic priority to build a world-class portfolio of products and services for OPAP. Our cooperation with Playtech will contribute to the considerable improvement of our retail sports-betting offering and the enhancement of our customers' experience.”

Playtech said that the Riga live casino studio has been opened due to a huge surge in client demand.

Built on top of the city’s fortified 16th-century walls in the heart of the city’s Old Town, the studio has a capacity of 8,500 square metres.

The new studio will cater for the majority of Playtech’s European live casino footprint. Playtech Live has further studios in the Philippines, Spain, Belgium and a recently-opened operation in Romania.

Playtech chief executive Mor Weizer said: “This has been a huge undertaking but, more importantly, is a huge step forwards in live casino and one no other company except Playtech is capable of making.

“Our licensees’ offerings have firmly been future proofed with the completion of our new studio, leading-edge software and hardware and state-of-the-art control centre. And crucially, it is their players who will benefit the most from the best live casino offering on the market.

“This now gives us the platform to deliver the next generation of live casino to our customers, and will also give us the flexibility and ability to deliver many new and innovative products.”