Major Online Business as 888 wins Harrahs Interactive Contract – September 18th, 2009

The big industry news story as the week ended was the deal signed by Gibraltar-based online gaming group 888.com and the new interactive division of giant U.S. casino operator Harrah’s Entertainment.

The deal means that Harrah’s Interactive will use 888 software in Europe. The news sent 888 shares soaring over 10 percent to a two month high as it broke Friday.. 888 said its Dragonfish unit would support the British launch and roll-out of Harrah’s World Series of Poker (WSOP) and Caesars Casino.

And 888 may have further US deals up its sleeve. “It’s an amazing deal if the U.S. market opens up to online gaming one day and it’s a good deal even if it’s Europe only. We have more big American deals in the pipeline for the B2B unit,” chief executive Gigi Levy told Reuters in an interview.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed but Levy said it was worth “millions of dollars” and would be earnings enhancing as soon as 2010. Under the deal Dragonfish will deliver e-payments, and customer support services to help grow the WSOP and Caesars brands online. Harrah’s operates more than 50 land casinos.