Scientific Games: Sciplay Signs Internet Poker Agreement with California Online Poker Association

Wireless News
06-24-2011
Scientific Games: Sciplay Signs Internet Poker Agreement with California Online Poker Association
Type: News

Scientific Games Corporation announced that Sciplay, its joint venture with Playtech Limited, has signed an agreement with the California Online Poker Association to be its provider of intrastate internet poker services.

According to a release, under the terms of the agreement, COPA will receive a suite of internet poker services, including network management, hosting, advisory services, customer support, internal marketing, and all associated hardware. The contract was signed in conjunction with a separate software licensing agreement between Playtech and COPA.
This website is planned for launch in 2011.

Robert Martin, Chairman of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and a member of COPA's Board of Managers, said, "It has been estimated that Californians wager more than $13 billion annually on illegal, offshore internet poker websites. Our mission is to provide California players with a safe and secure option to play poker legally on the internet. On behalf of all of COPA's trusted gaming partners, both tribes and card clubs alike, we are very pleased to enter these agreements with Sciplay and Playtech to deliver a full service solution."

Haig Papaian, President and CEO of Commerce Casino and a member of COPA's Board of Managers, said, "We sought a best-in-class service provider for COPA and after an extremely competitive selection process, Sciplay was the clear winner. It delivers the perfect combination of Playtech's state-of-the-art, industry- leading gaming software and online experience, with Scientific Games' nearly 40 years of expertise in providing secure, regulated, compliant-compatible services and meeting strict protocols of domestic and international regulatory bodies."

Rick Weil, CEO of Sciplay, said, "We are proud to be part of COPA's progressive efforts in California to serve the needs of poker players throughout the state. COPA is supremely well positioned to become a licensed operator should internet poker become legal in the state of California and Sciplay is delighted to have the opportunity to work with COPA. This contract demonstrates the value of the Scientific Games and Playtech joint venture and we see this as the first of a number of opportunities where our combined capabilities can deliver a comprehensive solution."

The California Online Poker Association consists of 29 California tribal governments and 31 California-licensed card clubs.

Scientific Games Corporation provides gaming solutions to lottery and gaming organizations.

Playtech develops software platforms and content for the online and land-based gaming industry.

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