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Sciplay, the joint venture between AIM-listed Playtech and US partner Scientific Games, has gained a footprint in the United States ahead of potential online gambling regulation by signing an online poker contract with the California online poker Association (COPA), a body that includes Commerce Casino in Los Angeles, one of the largest poker rooms in the world.
Initially based on play-for-fun, Sciplay will provide intrastate online poker services, while Playtech will license its poker software and IMS operator management system to COPA ahead of possible legislation which would eventually allow cash gaming. The exact terms of the deal, are unknown, however a Playtech spokesman said it would decide whether to set up a poker network or focus on a "mega brand" on behalf of COPA if and when real money play was an option. The spokesman added the first six months of the operation would be focused on setting up a play-for-fun site using "existing resouces".
In an announcement to the stock exchange this morning Playtech called the move a “return to American operations”, its first since UIGEA was implemented in 2006. It added that California’s estimated 2m poker players, who currently play “illegally”, would be able to “become acquainted” with the new system and “hone their skills” ahead of real money play. California, that has an estimated population of around 37m, is the largest poker playing state in the US. Playtech will set up a base in California.
Playtech said it had the potential to become a “very substantial” revenue source, as and when a real money option is permitted. “The deal puts Playtech in the strongest position to take advantage from anticipated changes to US regulation as California is likely to be one of the first to regulate on a state level and have a sustainable domestic market,” a statement read. “Timing of revenues are wholly dependent on regulation, but Playtech will build franchise through play-for-fun – starting this year,” it added.
SOURCE
Initially based on play-for-fun, Sciplay will provide intrastate online poker services, while Playtech will license its poker software and IMS operator management system to COPA ahead of possible legislation which would eventually allow cash gaming. The exact terms of the deal, are unknown, however a Playtech spokesman said it would decide whether to set up a poker network or focus on a "mega brand" on behalf of COPA if and when real money play was an option. The spokesman added the first six months of the operation would be focused on setting up a play-for-fun site using "existing resouces".
In an announcement to the stock exchange this morning Playtech called the move a “return to American operations”, its first since UIGEA was implemented in 2006. It added that California’s estimated 2m poker players, who currently play “illegally”, would be able to “become acquainted” with the new system and “hone their skills” ahead of real money play. California, that has an estimated population of around 37m, is the largest poker playing state in the US. Playtech will set up a base in California.
Playtech said it had the potential to become a “very substantial” revenue source, as and when a real money option is permitted. “The deal puts Playtech in the strongest position to take advantage from anticipated changes to US regulation as California is likely to be one of the first to regulate on a state level and have a sustainable domestic market,” a statement read. “Timing of revenues are wholly dependent on regulation, but Playtech will build franchise through play-for-fun – starting this year,” it added.
SOURCE
That would be soooo great to be able to play at the 
