888.com and Endemol reach agreement
Gambling News - 25th May 2010
A joint venture has been agreed on by online casino, 888.com and television giant, Endemol.
Endemol, which is owned by Goldman Sachs, Mediacinco and Cyrte, is the largest television production company in Italy and 888.com is a pioneer in the online gaming industry, this year celebrating its 13th birthday. The joint venture plans to benefit the Italian gaming public.
888.com is running its first large-scale consumer launch in Italy and is now offering a whole new range of online games which make use of Endemol's brands, Deal or No Deal, Big Brother, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and more.
The two companies plan to make use of each other's expertise for the benefit of the Italian market. 888.com will benefit from Endemol's popular brands and large market share and Endemol will benefit from 888.com's gaming expertise, allowing them to further enter the gaming industry.
Gigi Levy, the CEO of 888.com stated: "strategic partnerships are the cornerstone of successful business enterprise. 888.com is a major global force in the gaming realm and a partnership with Italian television colossus Endemol is a big win for everyone. We look forward to a successful relationship by employing our gaming experience and Endemol's brands, for the benefit of the Italian gaming market."
The agreement is awaiting the final go-ahead from Italian authorities who are still working out gaming regulations for casino gaming. The green light is expected to be given in the second half of 2010. Italy is seen to be a lucrative and growing market and this joint venture between 888.com and Endemol could be good news for online gamblers.
888.com, in another statement claims that its aim is to provide its customers with high quality entertainment so that those who enjoy gambling will be able to do so in a secure environment that is fair, regulated, safe and, of course, fun.
