Omni-channel betting and igaming giant Playtech has announced that Placard.pt, a venture by Sociedade de Apostas Sociais, the Portuguese online gaming and betting operator, launched just in time for the FIFA World Cup.
The launch follows Playtech striking a deal for SAS to use its IMS player management platform and new Playtech BGT Sports online sportsbook offering earlier this year. Now live, Placard becomes the 13th licensee in the Portuguese online gaming market.
The deal is part of Playtech’s expansion into Portugal, a newly regulated market with strong potential. The multi-year agreement with SAS will see Playtech integrate its data-driven IMS player management platform and single wallet functionality into SAS’s operation, powering its entire online offering with an integrated solution.
This launch is the latest PBS roll-out in a new and emerging regulated market. Earlier this year, Playtech strengthened its position in the Colombian market, when it agreed a deal to supply SSBTs, tills (over the counter), an online sportsbook, as well as managed services to Sportium Colombia.
Playtech will offer a complete omni-channel service. With one of SAS’s major shareholders being Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa, the country’s state lottery provider, the deal gives Playtech greater visibility in the lottery segment.
There will be no database integration or sharing of player information between the online operation and Santa Casa’s land-based gaming operation. In 2017, Playtech also signed a three-year agreement with OPAP, the Greek betting and lottery operator. Dr Paulo Calado, CEO at SAS, said: “Our objective is to operate in this market with a range of games for users of the platform that are also intuitive and reliable."
Shimon Akad, COO at Playtech, added: “This is an exciting deal because it moves us into an important market. Integrating two of our key products, in IMS and PBS, has been an important strategic step for Playtech.
“Its launch, which was timed to coincide with the World Cup, comes at the perfect moment.”
