Software Firm Boosted By Online Poker Demand

Software provider posts turnover increase following partnership with several online gambling portals.

A leading online gambling software provider has substantially increased its revenues thanks to the global increase in online poker popularity.

Playtech saw its turnover rise to €56.7 million (£49.6 million) in the six months to June, compared to the €51.6 million (£45.1 million) in revenue recorded throughout the entire last financial year.

The software firm provides programmes for a number of gambling sites and attributed its improved performance in the past six months to a joint venture with the sports betting firm William Hill, which originally faced problems during its inception.

Mor Weizer, chief executive of Playtech, explained that the company will also be placing mobile gaming at the centre of its business strategy in the next six months.

He said: "We remain firm believers in William Hill online and there are already some encouraging signs, including a big increase in the number of players."

Playtech, which was founded in 1998, is the world's largest publicly traded online gaming software provider.