by Renee Israel
July 3 - 888 Holdings, the leading London-listed online
gambling group, has announced that it has formed a strategic
alliance with WMS Gaming Inc, a group with designs and
manufacturers gaming content and machines in the US.
According to the statement issued by 888 Holdings, the
new US gaming alliance will allow WMS Gaming to offer online
products to its customers using 888's successful online poker
platform.
The end product through a joint 888 and WMS Gaming
venture will see land-based casino operators in the United
States improve their poker game portfolios as well as increase
their customer bases.
Both 888 and WMS have submitted applications to the
Nevada State Gaming Control Board in a bid to obtain interactive
gaming licenses.
The alliance between the online gambling entities is
subject to state and federal regulation and licensing
requirements.
888 Considered Leading Online Poker Operator
The President of WMS Gaming, Orrin J. Edidin commented
on the 888 US online poker contract and said: "Aligning
our efforts with 888 Holdings will allow WMS to provide our casino
operator customers with the capabilities and benefits from
one of the world's most experienced online poker operators.
"This will significantly support their efforts to benefit from
online poker in the United Stats in a play for fun environment, or
as real money online poker becomes legal."
Edidin also said that WMS Gaming's customers would gain
access to a robust online poker network enabling them to
effectively build brand awareness, provide superior player
liquidity needed for great player experiences, with complete
comfort in the security and effectiveness of the technology
platform.
"Additionally, by incorporating these solutions with
our Player's Life Web Services capabilities that provide a unique
link that extends to the gaming experience beyond the four walls
of the casino, we expect to provide a wide array of play for fun
online applications that customers can offer their players via
their websites, as well as to introduce to entirely new audiences,
the opportunity to play for fun," concluded Edidin.
Substantial Online Gambling Presence
The CEO of 888 Holdings, Brian Mattingley, said that WMS is one
of the main gaming suppliers in the United States, with a network
of relationships with land-based operators that is "second to
none".
He said that the combination of 888's cutting edge online poker
platform and WMS Gaming's customer relationships, marketing and
distribution capabilities, provides the opportunity for 888 and
WMS to build a substantial online presence.
"By deploying our joint online poker solution, casino operators
in the US will be able to provide their customers with a robust
and secure network with the liquidity and games offering to give
the best possible player experience," said Mattingley.
