October 19, 2007

888 launches Italian sportsbook

Casino and poker operator 888 has launched its first dedicated licensed sportsbook offering in Italy, according to a statement to the London Stock Exchange this morning.

The Italian website (888.it) has been launched in conjunction with Italian market specialist Cogetech, and is 888’s first foray into the market since it gained a license in October last year from the Italian regulator.

The website is restricted to sports-betting (though not horse-racing for the time being) and skill games, though further products may be added should the Italian regulator allow it.

Gigi Levy, chief executive at 888, said: “This is a milestone in the progression of 888’s diversified, multi-channel strategy to grow our customer reach and appeal globally.”

Levy added that the Italian sports-betting market is “growing strongly”.

It is believed that 888 will be entering into a white-label deal with Blue Square in the coming months as it endeavours to further its reach in the sports-betting market elsewhere in Europe. Levy is on record as saying the company should be moving towards a full-service offering for its customers.

http://www.egrmagazine.com/item/2195