Playtech continues Portuguese expansion

Omni-channel betting and gaming supplier Playtech has detailed the launch of Placard.pt, a venture by Portugal’s largest online gaming and betting operator, Sociedade de Apostas Sociais (“SAS”).

The launch follows Playtech striking a landmark deal for SAS to use its IMS player management platform and new Playtech BGT Sports (“PBS”) online sportsbook offering earlier this year. Now live, Placard becomes the 13th operator in the Portuguese online gaming market.

The deal is part of Playtech’s expansion into Portugal, a newly-regulated market with strong potential. The multi-year agreement with SAS will seePlaytech integrate its data-driven IMS player management platform and single wallet functionality into SAS’s operation, powering its entire online offering with an integrated solution.

Shimon Akad, COO, Playtech, commented on the launch: “This is an exciting deal because it moves us into an important market. Integrating two of our key products, in IMS and PBS, has been an important strategic step for Playtech.

“Its launch, which was timed to coincide with the World Cup, comes at the perfect moment.”

Earlier this year Playtech also strengthened its position in the Colombian market, when it agreed a deal to supply Self-Service Betting Terminals (SSBTs), tills (over the counter), an online sportsbook, as well as managed services to Sportium Colombia.

Dr. Armin Sageder, CEO, Playtech BGT Sports, stated: “This deal is a major achievement for both PBS and Playtech, and will lay down a marker for future deals. We will continue working with our partners to create innovative solutions for providers in new markets.”

With one of SAS’s major shareholders being Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa, the country’s state lottery provider, the deal gives Playtech greater visibility in the lottery segment. There will be no database integration or sharing of player information between the online operation and  Santa Casa’s land-based gaming operation. In 2017 Playtech also signed a three-year agreement with OPAP, the leading Greek betting and lottery operator.

Dr. Paulo Calado, CEO, SAS, added: “Our objective is to operate in this market with a range of games for users of the platform that are also intuitive and reliable.”