Playtech

Created in 1999 by Israeli surfers from the world of casino, computer engineering and multimedia industry, the group Playtech is based in Tel Aviv. Together with Microgaming they are the leading software developer in the market of online gambling. It focuses mainly on virtual casinos but it also manages networks of sports bets, bingo and poker on the Internet. In all, it provides software to over 175 gaming sites.

In 2006, the group's shares are listed successfully on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. From October 2007, they have had a significant increase. It was stopped in September 2008, while the share was over 550 €, because of the global financial crisis. In 2006, the group's shares were listed successfully on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. From October 2007, they have been growing very strong. It was stopped in September 2008, when the share was over 550 €, because of the global financial crisis. Until February 2009, its price decreased and even went below 300 €. Then it increased, despite a dramatic drop during the summer of 2009 to reach just over 460€ when I wrote this article in May 26th 2010.

As Playtech is listed on the London Stock Exchange, the group was forced to leave immediately the U.S. market, unlike its competitor Microgaming which belongs to a family of South Africa, after the introduction of the Unlawful Internet Law Gambling Enforcement Act, better known by the acronym UIGEA, which prohibits online gambling in the United States. This withdrawal has cost Playtech not less than 40% of its revenues. However, the developer is refocusing on the European and Asian markets and managed to regain its turnover pre-UIGEA in just less than three months. This demonstrates the dynamism of the group and business efficiency.

If Playtech managed to quickly become a major player in the industry, thanks to the remarkable performance of its marketing department of course, but also to technological innovations it has put in place. It must be said that almost 80% of its 500 employees work in research and development.

Thus, Playtech is the first to propose the transaction history as well as original techniques for fraud prevention. Its invention is undoubtedly the most outstanding live games. These titles offer the same playing conditions in a land based casino allowing you to watch live via a webcam gestures of a real dealer who manages your table. Present in Europe, these games have had a true expansion into Asian markets.

In contrast, the developer does not seem to master flash technology. Even if they offer some titles in this format, rather it builds on the downloadable versions, much to our chagrin. Fortunately for us, this trend seems to be waning with the recent release of a few exceptional flash slots.

The Playtech software platform offers more than 170 titles. Some slot machines really stand out like Alien Hunter and its two innovative bonus games or A Night Out and particularly sexy graphics.

Through various agreements, the developer also offers a number of adaptations of large licenses. For example, there slots adapted from Rocky or The Pink Panther.

In 2008, the group entered into a partnership with Paramount Digital Entertainment, which allowed it to develop the game The Untouchables, but especially the great slot Gladiator, adapted from eponymous film by Ridley Scott.

Inspired by Cryptologic, which had signed an agreement in 2005 with Marvel Comics editor, Playtech is the same in 2009. Through this contract, it adapted the slot universe superheroes like The Incredible Hulk, Blade, Daredevil, Elektra, Fantastic Four, X-Men as well as Iron Man.

From the point of view of progressive jackpots, the developer offers some of the most interesting jackpots in the industry. It is not uncommon to exceed even 1 or 2 million Euros. If the jackpot reaches these amounts it is because they are linked by a major network of slot machines available on every online casino using Playtech software. Unlike some developers like WagerWorks who are uncooperative when it comes to paying the progressive jackpot, Playtech always pays at once and without a schedule of payment.

Despite these many strengths, some players do not like this developer a lot fault of its marketing a bit too aggressive. Thus, it is recommended to read carefully the terms and conditions as some bonus promotions are less interesting than indicated.

Similarly, when you manage, for example, to win a nice little sum of money and to withdraw it, customer service can very well call you to offer you a deal. If you agree not to withdraw your winnings, the casino may deposit the same amount into your player account as a gift. Some people appreciate the gesture. However, others do not like this kind of intrusion into their private lives that prevent them from feeling free to do what they want.

However, these practices do not undermine the seriousness and professionalism of Playtech. Moreover, it is no coincidence that it provides its software to some of the most prestigious online casino in the world such as Euro Grand, Casino Tropez and Europa Casino. Similarly, in 2008, Playtech signed a partnership in joint venture with one of the largest bookmakers in the UK, William Hill. Finally, Playtech has also concluded an agreement with the Chinese government. Under the terms of this contract, the casino world of the Middle Kingdom therefore offer games signed by the developer in Israel.

In conclusion, we are dealing with one of the most serious players on the market. It also offers great and innovative games. Finally, if you are a player of slot machines with progressive jackpot, we recommend to you Playtech, the risk of repeating ourselves, which pays on time.