Playtech claims industry first with cross-border poker network

Finnish company RAY and Austria’s win2day have agreed a deal to share cross-border poker liquidity on Playtech’s online poker-powered network.

Under the agreement, which Playtech described as an industry-first, the two firms will launch a joint network using liquidity from both player bases, with customers of each brand able to access omni-channel poker products on the Playtech network.

Playtech said the deal represents the first time that two regulated entities have joined forces to share cross-border poker liquidity.

The Finnish Ministry of Interior has approved the liquidity sharing agreement, with RAY previously limited to offering its online poker service to players in Finland only.

“Working with win2day has been an extremely smooth process and this announcement significantly improves the game selection in both Finland and Austria,” RAY’s vice-president of digital channels Jan Hagelberg said.

Martin Jekl, managing director of win2day added: “It is with great pleasure that we welcome the opportunity to sustainably expand our offering as the leading online poker provider in Austria with the joint network and thereby improve the customer experience for our users.”

Shimon Akad, chief operating officer of Playtech, also said: “We have been pioneers in the gaming industry for many years and are extremely proud to be the first company to provide two great brands with a poker network and series of leading products that will combine to form the first ever cross-border poker network.”

Meanwhile, Playtech has agreed a content deal with FRV Finland, the enlarged group made up of the recently merged Veikkaus, RAY and Fintoto operations.

Playtech will provide the new Veikkaus-led brand with a full suite of games and casino content, with further phases planned for the future.

Speaking about the deal, Playtech’s Akad said: “We’re delighted they have selected Playtech to strengthen our long-standing and successful partnership in supporting the growth of the Finnish market.

“Our work with RAY in the last six years has shown that we are committed to the market and its growth and look forward to a new era with the country’s newly formed gaming entity.”

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