Online Poker Awards

Playtech, in response to Spanish gaming laws, has signed an agreement with Casino Gran Madrid to broadcast live games directly from the casino to the Spanish gaming market. Playtech is an internationally recognised leader in online gaming and this is a step forward in allowing Playtech to gain a strong foothold in the Spanish market.

Under Spanish law live casino games are required to be broadcasted within a casino located within Spanish borders. The casino must be land based and fully regulated to operate within Spain. Under this new agreement between Playtech and Casino Gran Madrid will allow Playtech to market the live games it offers. The gaming studio will include live dealers dealing roulette, baccarat and blackjack in HD.

Playtech’s Aviv Nankin, who is Head of Live Games is quoted as saying “Playtech is thrilled to have Casino Gran Madrid as a partner in the Spanish marketplace. It provides a great opportunity for both Playtech and Casino Gran Madrid now and in the future”

The internationally recognized PokerStars has applied to purchase the Atlantic Club Casino which is in Atlantic City. PokerStars is owned by Rational Entertainment who operates PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker. This application comes on the heels of Rational Entertainment paying the U.S Justice department more than $350 million in order to settle disputes from the previous owners off Full Tilt Poker.

The timing of the application also is in line with recent legislation in New Jersey that allows online gaming to be provided by those who are licensed to operate land based casinos in the state. While details surrounding the deal have not been made public it does show that Rational Entertainment intends to undertake large improvements to the casino and thus increase much needed investment into the New Jersey job market.

This is seen as an interesting move by Rational who for continued to defy the UIGEA law that prevented U.S players from making online gaming transactions. It will be interesting to see this develop in the coming months and how this will impact its online operations if any.