888 in US agreement with Caesars

888 Holdings has confirmed its interest in the U.S. market with the announcement of an agreement with Caesars Interactive Entertainment, Inc. (CIE) this week.

The news comes as no surprise as 888’s Brian Mattingley announced the company’s intention to pursue the strategy back in July of last year .

Under the terms of the agreement, 888’s independent B2B arm, Dragonfish and CIE have extended their UK software licencing agreement to cover the US which will result in Dragonfish powering CIE’s US-facing poker brands in the event that online gaming is legalised.

The companies are ready to hit the market running, promising the immediate launch of the offerings once regulation and licencing is finalised at either a Federal or intrastate level.

888 has already applied for a Service Provider licence with the Nevada Gaming Control Board (‘NGCB’), after the gaming board found their commercial relationship to be suitable back in September 2009.

Brian Mattingley, deputy chairman, 888, said: “888 has taken a prudent approach to regulation, which culminated in the successful review conducted by the NGCB, putting 888 and Dragonfish in pole position for the US market. This gives us a strong platform to roll out our cutting edge, turnkey solution to other potential partners as the market opens.

“We are delighted to be extending our relationship with CIE into the much-anticipated US market, and we are proud to be providing them with the technology and tools to leverage and monetise their powerful brand.”

Mitch Garber, chief executive officer of CIE, added:  “888 has been successfully driving the World Series of Poker brand in the UK for the past three years, and with current momentum toward either a Federal or State by State regulatory environment, 888 is uniquely positioned to support either outcome, without delay.”

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