Online gamers who play Playtech powered casino games could find themselves forced to find games developed by another provider. Sources close to the gaming software developer confirmed that Playtech will be unavailable in the Finnish and Dutch online gambling markets by the end of 2013.
Initial speculation hinted that Playtech may remove itself from the Canadian online gambling market as well. Under Canadian gambling law, developers can offer their games to Canadian players provided they are licensed by authentic gambling commissions, such as the Isle of Man.
According to Playtech sources, there was no indication that the company violated Canadian gambling laws, which made the rumours of a pullout more questionable. The same sources suggested that the reason for the pullout was due to gambling legislation.
However, Playtech later confirmed that they would only be pulling out of Finland and the Netherlands, while Canadians will continue to have access to Playtech powered online casino games.
The company clarified that their affiliate Euro Partners is responsible for the pullout. The online gaming affiliate represents several casino brands that provide slots, poker, and casino table games powered by Playtech to licensed European nations. Though conclusive details have yet to be provided, the pullout is believed to be a result of new regulation laws in the two nations.
The withdrawal fits a business strategy for Playtech of late, which is shifting its primary focus from the European gambling market to the booming Asian gambling industry. Playtech, as well as other gaming software developers, believe the European market is peaking, while there is room for expansive growth in Asia.
The Canadian market remains a top priority for Playtech and other providers as well, which will likely become more important if legislation is passed in the US to legalize online gambling.
