IGT games to be made available to major U.K. gambling group

From the CAP News page:

February 17, 2009 (InfoPowa News) -- IGT subsidiary Million-2-1 has signed a partnership deal with Rank plc, one of the U.K.’s largest gaming operators, to deliver leading IGT and Barcrest Group mobile gaming content nationwide.

As part of the initial launch this month, Hi-5, Elvis, Top 20 and Ooh Aah Dracula will be available to Rank customers via the popular online Blue Square and Mecca brands.

A company spokesman said the product portfolio will be expanded in the future with the release of mobile versions of the legendary Barcrest Group game Rainbow Riches and popular IGT titles Cleopatra, Monopoly and Cluedo.

The spokesman said that game graphics have been carefully adapted for optimum display on hundreds of handset types, and are designed to play like the land-based counterparts. Built-in age verification procedures and location-based services ensure compliance and provide added security.

Additionally, the games have been developed using the Orbis registration, verification and banking engine, which means existing Blue Square customers can start playing without having to register a separate account.

"This partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to mobile gaming," says Simon Woolf, Mobile Product Manager for Blue Square and Mecca Bingo. "The quality of these games provides the player with a streamlined first class experience. Our customers can now enjoy their favourite games in a Grosvenor Casino, a Mecca Bingo Club and on their mobile phone with Blue Square and Mecca.”

Chris Sheffield, Director and General Manager of Million-2-1, concluded: "Players will be familiar with many of these games from pubs, arcades, casinos, bingo clubs, betting shops and online casinos. Bringing them to the mobile platform will make them so much more convenient -- customers can participate wherever they are in the U.K., whenever they want to."