Scientific Games Corporation and Playtech have signed a mutual distribution agreement that will roll out first in New Jersey.
Under the terms of the deal, Playtech’s software, including slots and live casino, will be available to operators via Scientific Games’ Open Gaming System (OGS). Playtech’s full casino portfolio will all be integrated with Scientific Games’ features and promotions set.
Playtech’s game content will be introduced through the OGS initially in New Jersey with more states to follow. The groups said the partnership will enable Scientific Games and Playtech to mutually benefit from each other’s scale and reach across the US in addition to regulated markets in Latin America and Central, Eastern and Western Europe.
Jordan Levin, group chief executive, digital at Scientific Games, said: “Together with Playtech, we’ll bring quality and exciting gaming content to the US market and beyond.
“This latest partnership once again demonstrates the key role that OpenGaming plays in opening new opportunities for gaming providers to extend their footprint within key regulated markets.
“We’re very excited to be bringing Playtech’s world-renowned games to our operating partners across the globe and providing their player base with exceptional entertainment experiences.”
Scientific Games’ presence in New Jersey includes a long-standing agreement with Resorts Digital Gaming and Resorts Casino Hotel, which has utilized OpenGaming since 2015. The system features more than 2,500 games consisting of in-house developed titles and content from a wide range of third-party studios.
Shimon Akad, chief operating officer at Playtech, said the agreement will be hugely beneficial for its expansion plans in North America.
He said: “A key pillar of our strategy is to increase the distribution of our software through mutually beneficial partnerships with the leading B2B suppliers in the leading markets, alongside increasing the depth of the content and services we offer to our existing customers.
“This partnership will significantly increase SG’s distribution to regulated markets in LatAm and Europe whilst also providing our customers in those markets with an even richer portfolio of exciting iGaming content.
“Playtech looks forward to benefiting from SG’s leadership in the US as we look to roll out Playtech casino software in all regulated states.”
The announcement comes as SG looks to divest its lottery and sports betting businesses as it seeks to reduce debt to provide long-term stability. On Friday, the group announced the departure of senior executive Keith O’Loughlin amid reports he is backing a takeover of the OpenBet business by motorsports tycoon Eddie Jordan. Irish business news website The Currency reported that “Jordan, with O’Loughlin’s backing, has made an expression of interest for the division”.