Pool and sportsbetting operator Sportech has signed a joint venture with gaming software provider NYX Gaming Group to provide online products and services in the US for both social and pay-to-play gaming.
The joint venture will offer a full suite of gaming products including bingo, casino, poker and slots to potential licensees in the US using the NYX platform. These will include Sportech’s US racetrack and casino partners.
Both companies will hold a 50% interest in the joint venture and will share the set-up costs and profits.
Sportech’s interests on the board will be served by Ian Hogg, chief operating officer of the firm’s international consumer facing business, and Mark Gregory, managing director of Sportech’s US digital business.
“This joint venture with NYX will extend our US product range into a full suite of online games as and when regulations permit,” Sportech’s chief executive, Ian Penrose, said.
“It complements our established US position as a trusted supplier of terminal and online betting systems for horseracing to racetracks and casinos.”
Meanwhile, Sportech has also announced that Rich Roberts has been appointed as a non-executive director of the company with immediate effect.
Roberts currently serves as chief executive officer of social games studio Slingo and has also held various positions at the likes of PlayFirst and Hasbro Interactive.
“Rich’s experience and business knowledge within the mobile, social and iGaming markets will be of considerable benefit to the Group,” Sportech’s chairman, Roger Withers, said.
The appointment of Roberts comes in the wake of the retirement of John Barnes, who had served as a non-executive director at Sportech since November 2005.
Barnes also served as interim chairman for a few months during his time at the company.
“His contribution to the board has been invaluable, and I thank him accordingly,” Withers added.
