Playtech Launches French iPoker Network

Online and land clients sign on for dedicated French network Online gambling software developer Playtech plc has launched a new, dedicated French online poker network in partnership with Chilipoker, JOA, Tranchant and Casino du Golfe. The formation of the exclusive French iPoker network follows the recent liberalisation of the French online gaming industry and the authorisation of online poker and initial operator licenses. A statement fromPlaytech reveals that the first client on the network is Chilipoker, and that this established online poker operation will be followed by additional licensees in the coming months. These include leading French land-based casino groups, JOA, Groupe Tranchant and Casino du Golfe. JOA and Casino du Golfe have already submitted applications for approval to the French regulator, ARJEL. Chiligaming was founded in 2004 and has been a licensee of Playtech since May 2009. It offers a wide range of gaming products under a number of 'Chili' brands, including Chilipoker, which has a strong European following. Chiligaming also has a partnership with the French group Iliad, which operates 'Free,' the second largest French ISP, providing access to a database of over 12 million users. JOA was founded in 1948 and is a high profile French casino group with 20 land casinos and other leisure activities. Its online gaming subsidiary, JOAOnline was created in 2009 in anticipation of the opening of the French market and has been operating on Playtech's poker platform on a play-for-fun basis for the past 12 months. Groupe Tranchant was founded in 1987 and currently operates 21 land casinos of which 16 are located across France, generating in excess of Euro 300 million in gross gaming revenues. It will submit its application for a license shortly to operate under the Tranchantpoker.fr brand. Casino du Golfe operates the Casino de Cavalaire, located near Saint Tropez. The casino has a notable reputation for poker, including running multiple poker tournaments, and enjoys a strong relationship with many local poker clubs. Playtech chief executive, Mor Weizer, said: "We are delighted to announce the launch of the French iPoker network. I am confident that it will develop to become one of the leading liquid networks in France. As the market expands in its regulated form, France has the potential to become a very substantial local market. "We are focused on attracting a mix of licensees to the network, targeting a combination of existing licensees and well established local operators entering the market. Chili, JOA, Tranchant and Casino du Golfe each have strong brands and longstanding gaming experience. Such licensees bring scale, experience and diversity of player base to the network. "We expect to expand the number of participants in the network in the coming months as we are in active discussions with several potential licensees that would like to join our French network."