888 Signs Strategic US Online Poker Agreement with WMS

888, one of the world's most popular online gaming entertainment and solutions providers, has today announced, as part of its online US strategy, an alliance with WMS Gaming Inc., a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of games, gaming content and gaming machines in the United States.

As one of the biggest suppliers of slots machines to hundreds of land based casinos in the US, this deal will enable WMS to offer an online product to all its customers utilising 888's state of the art poker platform. By combining forces, WMS and 888 will provide an end-to-end solution that will enable land-based casino operators to leverage and aggregate their respective customer databases, aiming to build large-scale player pools.

WMS will market and distribute 888's world-class online poker solution to land-based casino customers in venues in the United States, initially with a play-for-fun offering. The agreement will allow the launch of a real money offering immediately as either Federal or state based regulation is finalised and upon licensing by gaming authorities.

Earlier this year, both 888 and WMS submitted applications to Nevada's State Gaming Control Board for interactive gaming licenses in the State of Nevada.

Brian Mattingley, CEO of 888, said:

"WMS is one of the main gaming suppliers in America, with a network of relationships with land-based operators that is second to none. The combination of 888's cutting edge online poker platform and WMS' customer relationships, marketing and distribution capabilities, provides the opportunity to build a substantial online presence.

By deploying our joint online poker solution, casino operators in the United States will be able to provide their customers with a robust and secure network with the liquidity and games offering to give the best possible player experience."

Orrin J. Edidin, President of WMS, added:

"Aligning our efforts with 888 Holdings will allow WMS to provide our casino operator customers with the capabilities and benefits from one of the world's most experienced online poker operators which will significantly support their efforts to benefit from online poker in the United States as it becomes legal."

Contacts and enquiries

888
Brian Mattingley, Chief Executive Officer +350 200 49800
Aviad Kobrine, Chief Financial Officer +350 200 49800

M:Communications
Ann-marie Wilkinson/Andrew Benbow +44 (0)20 7920 2344