More consolidation in the gaming software industry.

Every online casino uses software for their operations and most do not develop it themselves but rely upon specialist firms which is why some online casino sites look very similar to others and this trend looks set to continue with the latest news that software developer Playtech has purchased British based rival GTS (Gaming Technology Solutions). The software is not only associated with the gaming technology but also the background issues of security and finances which enable a license to be obtained. The two companies tend to specialize in different areas which makes the acquisition attractive to Playtech. GTS is a developer of what can be called skill games and has customers such as 888 whilst Playtech has specialised in the area of games of chance. This recent acquisition compliments the acquisition of Player2Players in March this year which is basically a sports book operator and therefore gives Playtech a very complete offering. Playtech is believed to be paying an initial €10.8 million which it is financing from its own resources and up to a further €21.6 million depending upon future performance. The CEO of Playtech, Mr. Weizer said “ Our agreement with GTS is a strategic move; it will enable us to work with a true open platform and integrate new games seamlessly. We have been looking to enhance our open content capabilities, and in effect become an aggregator of quality gaming content. Not many service providers can do that.”