IGT and Gamesys Sign Licensing Deal

US-based global gaming and lottery systems company, International Game Technology (IGT) Plc has signed a licensing agreement with UK-based games software developer and online gaming operator, Gamesys Ltd that will give it rights to use patented game features within its own portfolio.

Under the agreement, IGT will provide intellectual property to Gamesys, providing them with the rights to use some of their 2,000 patented pokie games features and bonus features. This will allow Gamesys to use these features in its own range of pokies games.

“This agreement with IGT allows Gamesys to utilise compelling and well-established game mechanics in key jurisdictions where such IP [intellectual property] is protected by patents,” commented Hans Elias, head of game studios at Gamesys.

“By further extending our partnership with IGT we have ensured we can benefit from their investment in R&D to develop yet more compelling, unique content for our partners and players.”

Gamesys powers the New Jersey Casinos, TropicanaCasino.com and VirginCasino.com, as well as DoubleDown Casino, IGT’s own online casino which was acquired by the original IGT company in 2012 for US$500 million. IGT Plc was established in April after a $US6.4 billion merger of Italian lottery technology specialist GTech SpA and US poker machine developer International Game Technology.

“Working in partnership with Gamesys to enhance its online games leverages our industry-leading R&D investment to deliver better games to more players,” stated Victor Duarte, global chief product officer for gaming at IGT.

Gamesys is expected to begin using the technology from IGT and incorporating it into its pokie games from 2016.