888 secures B2B poker extension with Caesars Entertainment

888 has signed a multi-year contract extension to its exclusive B2B poker partnership with Caesars Interactive Entertainment in the US.

The new agreement will see the digital arm of the Caesars business utilize 888’s Poker 8 platform to power the World Series of Poker (WSOP) brand’s online poker rooms.

The partnership will also see 888 continue to power the US market’s interstate shared player liquidity poker network across New Jersey, Delaware and Nevada.

888’s new Poker 8 platform was launched in Europe in November 2020 following a two-year development cycle. The operator has provided B2B poker technology to the WSOP brand since 2013.

In addition to powering WSOP, 888 will continue to supply its proprietary casino platform and content to Caesars casino brand Harrah’s. 888 also operates B2C casino, poker and sports betting in the US.

“We are excited at the prospect of adding new states to our unique interstate poker network in 2021 and beyond, which we believe would drive a significant increase in liquidity for poker players on the 888 platform,” said 888 head of US Yaniv Sherman.

“Our extended relationship will also enable 888 to gain a presence in new US states following the required regulatory approvals, which presents an important opportunity in our long-term development strategy for the market,” he added.

Peel Hunt analyst Ivor Jones said the contract extension finally “put to rest” concerns that the US casino heavyweight would bring its online poker business in house.

“Not only does this tie in an important B2B customer, it also secures 888’s position as the leader in US interstate poker on both B2B and B2C bases,” Jones explained.

“Leadership of the US online poker market is a potentially very valuable asset for 888 if more states were to regulate for online poker,” he added.

Earlier this month, Peel Hunt selected 888 as one of its top growth stocks for 2021.