Playtech appoints former Italian regulator, pens Zitro deal

Playtech has appointed Francesco Rodano, the former Italian online gaming regulator, as chief policy officer and also secured a content deal with Zitro Interactive.

Rodano will report directly to chief executive Mor Weizer and engage with key policy-makers and advise company executives on governmental policies at local, state, national and EU levels.

He will also provide Playtech with further business opportunities, develop new relationships and foster existing connections with institutional organisations and industry stakeholders around the world, with the exception of Italy.

Rodano spent nine years with Italian regulator AAMS, where he was responsible for managing and leading the country’s online gaming regulation.

“After many years spent as a regulator, I’m excited to move to the industry side and to join Playtech at a time when the focus on regulated markets is a global priority,” Rodano said.

Chief executive Weizer added: “Thanks to his professional achievements and his personal stature, Francesco has become a highly influential figure in the international online gambling arena.”

Meanwhile, Playtech has agreed a deal to integrate games from Zitro Interactive onto its platforms.

The agreement will make Zitro Interactive games available to Playtech licensees around the world, including Mexican operator Caliente, which will be the first company to gain access to content.

An initial range of 17 online and bingo mobile games will be added to Playtech’s platforms.

Sebastián Salat, chief executive of Zitro Interactive, said: “One of Zitro’s strategic pillars, beyond diversifying our on-site product lines and our geographical presence, is to offer our popular games to the world from the most prestigious online casinos.

“The agreement recently with Playtech is an important step in this direction, allowing us to have our content available on platforms that are used by a huge number of the world’s largest online operators.”

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