888 gears up for Romania launch, IGT secures licences

888 has announced that it is to launch its online gambling services in Romania, while International Game Technology (IGT) has been granted two licences in the country.

The 888.ro website, which is due to launch on September 1, will feature casino, poker and sports betting services.

The announcement comes after 888 last week failed in a joint takeover bid with Rank Group for William Hill.

In a statement, 888 chief executive Itai Frieberger said: “888 has been one of the world's leading and trusted gambling operators for almost two decades, powered by our award-winning, proprietary software and services.

“Our flagship brands, 888poker, 888casino and 888sport, operate in several regulated markets around the world, including the United Kingdom, Spain and Denmark, and have been an online destination of choice in these markets for years.

“We aim to offer 888.ro to Romanian players as a global brand with a unique, local flavour.”

Meanwhile, IGT has obtained two Romanian Class II licences, for platform management and software provision, from the National Gaming Office in the country.

The firm will now be able to offer its remote game server to customers in Romania.

Gianluca Ballocci, IGT vice-president commercial interactive sales and B2C operations, said: “The granting of these licences in Romania further enhances the IGT group’s presence in key regulated markets, and extends our support for our customers’ growth strategy.”

Related article: Rank and 888 scrap William Hill takeover bid