'One account suits' all from Playtech

A new “multi-channel” software solution from Playtech that enables players to use a single account for betting online, via mobile, interactive television and in physical betting shops has been debuted by the Coral gaming group in the UK.

Dubbed “Coral Connect” the program is the first time online and retail systems have been totally unified, allowing players to use one account across all platforms, wherever and whenever they are playing, a Coral spokesman revealed this week.

Playtech’s Multi-Channel Solution is fully operational across the entire Coral betting shop estate in the UK of 1,800 shops.

Punters can open a multi-channel account in a betting shop and use the same account to place bets online or on mobile. In the retail environment, the multi-channel account can be used to place bets over the counter (OTC), play casino games on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) and deposit or withdraw funds.

The program enables Playtech’s IMS back office system to be synchronised with retail operations, giving operators a full customer view. An operator can now view a player’s activity in its entirety; whether they are playing online, on their mobile phone or in a retail betting shop.

Playtech spokesmen say the wide functionality creates good cross-sale opportunities for Playtech licensees, who can significantly increase a player’s gameplay, longevity and strengthen brand loyalty using the system.

A licensee can now encourage shop players to use the multi-channel account to play similar products online, whilst also channeling online players to play in a retail outlet.

Playtech COO Shay Segev says the program strengthens Playtech’s position as an innovative leader in the betting and gaming industry.

“The synchronisation of online and retail systems is a significant technological achievement. It illustrates our commitment to providing a complete multi-channel experience to Playtech licensees, who can in turn provide their customers with the ultimate player experience across all platforms,” he said.

Andy Hornby, CEO of Coral said: “Multi-channel is a key focus of our development. With Playtech’s help we have made a real step forward.”