Playtech Live is starting to take US market share from US online casino live dealer heavyweight Evolution. Playtech Live CEO Edo Haitin talked to Bonus on July 27 about the brand’s plans.
Haitin told Bonus yesterday that American online casino gamblers can expect to see more innovation from Playtech Live. A recent example of that was a live dealer game show, Adventures Beyond Wonderland (ABW), that the company announced on July 18.
Bet365 in New Jersey offers the game that houses live dealers dressed like characters from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Other personalities reminiscent of the book’s characters show up via augmented reality.
However, that’s not the only change that’s happened since Playtech Live launched in 2021 with Parx Interactive in Michigan and Bet365 in New Jersey.
Live Dealer Competition Entered the US With Playtech Live
A day after Christmas in 2021, Playtech (Playtech PLC 630,00 -1,41%) announced live dealers were already streaming on online casinos in Michigan and New Jersey. That meant the Isle of Man-based online gambling software supplier was the first real competitor to begin to take market share from Evolution (Evolution AB (publ) 3,42 +3,64%).
Until then, Evolution and another company it owns, Ezugi, supplied live dealer services to online casinos in the states with legal online casino gambling.
In 2024, there will be another live dealer services provider in the US. Bally’s Corporation (Bally’s Corporation 17,16 -0,17%) is partnering with StakeLogic to service that state’s new online casino site. Rhode Island legalized online casino gambling this year.
Online gambling insiders are still waiting to hear when Light and Wonder (LnW) will launch its live dealer product.
Playtech Live CEO Edo Haitin Answers Questions From Bonus
Haitin talks to Bonus about Playtech Live’s US growth.
The questions from Bonus are in bold. Haitin’s answers follow, verbatim.
How many online casino operators signed on after Playtech Live’s US launch?
In 2023, Playtech has made significant strides in the US market, with four new launches across NJ and MI and several more scheduled for H2.
Esteemed multi-state operators like WynnBet, PokerStars, and 888 (operating as Sports Illustrated Casino) have joined our roster of esteemed customers.
Additionally, we have introduced new products and games to our existing clientele.
The approach we are taking in the US market has been met with a strong reception. Since our initial launch in 2021, we have successfully rolled out Parx in NJ, followed by PokerStars, 888, and WynnBet in MI. The positive response reaffirms our commitment to delivering unparalleled gaming experiences to players in the US.
Do you stream live dealer games to West Virginia?
Currently, we do not stream to WV.
Do you plan to build a PA studio?
Having already opened Live studios in New Jersey and Michigan, another Live facility is under construction in Pennsylvania and is expected to open later in the year.
Which operators in New Jersey will offer ABW? When?
Adventures Beyond Wonderland is currently live exclusively on Bet365, with others planned to launch in the coming weeks.
How do players reach the ABW Magic Dice game?
The Magic Dice mini-game is played using two physical dice, red and green. Players can choose to follow either one, moving up the game grid based on the value rolled. Each shake of the dice either awards a Multiplier or progresses the player to the next stage, potentially continuing to a final maximum multiplier of 100x. Additionally, in the first row, players can receive a Move Up and Apply Multiplier x2 boost. If the wheel stops on a Mystery segment, there are two possible outcomes: Walter’s Mystery Free Spin Multiplier, where everyone’s favorite caterpillar adds a spin to the round, with each betting position receiving a special Multiplier; or Card Soldiers’ Mystery Bet Multiplier – a mini-game where the player picks from one of four card soldiers to add a Multiplier to the total bet.
When will you launch ABW in Michigan?
In line with our clearly set out plans for the USA, Michigan will receive its own unique game shows in the upcoming future. We have already launched in Michigan our globally leading Mega Fire Blaze Roulette.
How will the Cheshire Cat be involved in the ABW product?
The story and experience of Adventures Beyond Wonderland is what has made it a fan favorite in international markets. The Cheshire Cat arguably plays a very important role in the future of this and will feature soon in our planned promotional Mystery Bonus network campaigns.
Considering how unique this product is in the US, do you believe operators will partner for live dealer content to compete with ABW and similar products from Playtech?
In this ever-evolving landscape, our observation has been that operators (and players) will continue [to] demand a diverse portfolio of innovative, entertainment-led experiences and content. Therefore, they will collaborate with partners that are best positioned to deliver a suite of compelling and unique gaming experiences that resonate with audiences and keep the experience new and fresh for the players.
About the Author
