Playtech to roll out online casino content in Canada via Hard Rock Digital tie-up
Playtech will pay $116.36m to help boost its ambitions in North America
Playtech has announced it has secured a small stake in Hard Rock Digital (HRD), the interactive gaming and sports betting division of Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming.
The online gaming software supplier has purchased $116.36m of stock in a “low single-digit minority equity ownership” and, consequently, will now deliver its technology solutions and online casino content to Hard Rock Digital in the US and Canada.
Playtech launched in the Ontario market last June through a strategic partnership with NorthStar Bets and, four months later, helped Mansion to deliver its online casino brands in the province.
Last month, Playtech also completed its $12.3m investment in NorthStar Gaming, parent company of NorthStar Bets.
“The Playtech team is thrilled to announce our strategic partnership with HRD,” commented Mor Weizer, Playtech CEO. “Hard Rock International has cemented itself as a marquee name worldwide, not just in gambling, but more widely in entertainment.
“HRD will combine the strength of this global brand with a proven management team, some of whom we at Playtech have known for many years and believe to be among the strongest in the online gambling industry.
“For Playtech, this partnership significantly advances our position in the North American market and is very much in line with our B2B strategy.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Playtech has also committed to supplying Hard Rock’s online casino with its igaming content including its slots, random number generators, and live dealer table games to be deployed across the operator’s existing offering.
“This partnership will act as an accelerator to Hard Rock Digital’s planned strategic initiative to expand its online gaming offerings to international markets, becoming the first operator with a global omni-channel offering under a singular, irreplaceable brand,” added Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International and Chairman of the Board of HRD.
“This announcement only reinforces our commitment to lead innovation in the gaming industry and expand the ‘Hard Rock’ experience worldwide.
“We look forward to providing an authentic, digital experience for Hard Rock’s global fan base within a comprehensive, omni-channel offering.”