06 November 2006

MICROGAMING STEPS UP ASIAN DRIVE WITH LAUNCH OF LIVE DEALER

ISLE OF MAN - Microgaming, the world’s largest supplier of poker and casino software, announces it has stepped up its drive into Asia with the launch of its Live Dealer software. The software launches on the existing T3 (Flash) and Viper platforms, with an additional standalone application – Zero Footprint.

Currently available for Baccarat, future releases of the software are expected to include Roulette, SicBo, Fan Tan and many more games.

Available 24hrs a day, seven days a week, a video feed of the dealer is displayed on screen, more closely simulating the land-based casino environment. As the dealer deals a card from the shoe, it is identified immediately via a sensor, with the physical card being placed on the dealer’s table and an icon of the card being displayed on the player’s screen.

The dealer deals up to eight decks from a shoe up to a randomly placed cut card. Once the Live Dealer has dealt an entire deck of cards, a new deck is brought to the table and each deck is stored and locked in its’ own case to prevent against tampering of any kind. Deck swapping is done in front of the camera and the shuffle is supervised.

No separate account is needed, since the software uses the players’ casino account. Multi-currency is also supported, so players can play in a currency of their choice. The software is currently available in English, simplified Chinese and Japanese, depending on platform.

Roger Raatgever, CEO Microgaming comments, “The launch of Live Dealer signals a step up in our expansion into the Asian market and further highlights our commitment to providing our operators with an unrivalled software and games development programme. We have enjoyed a year of record sign ups to date, cementing our position in both the Nordic and European markets, so naturally we see Asia as the next focus. Being able to deliver operators a localised offer is the key to success in any market, but particularly in Asia and we see Live Dealer as really just the start.”

About Microgaming
Since Microgaming developed the first true online casino software over a decade ago, it has led the industry in providing innovative, reliable gaming solutions. Thanks to an unrivalled R&D programme, that averages four new releases a month and an unmatched ‘partnership’ approach to working with operators, Microgaming can be found powering many of the world’s most profitable online casino sites. The Microgaming Progressive Jackpot Network is the world’s largest progressive and has paid out a record $215m plus in the last three years.

Microgaming software also powers the world’s leading poker network. With over 40 card rooms and one of the most aggressive tournament schedules on the web, the Microgaming Poker Network ensures players will always find an active table, as well as the hottest action.

As a founding member of eCOGRA, Microgaming is at the forefront of an initiative focused on setting the highest standards in the gaming industry, most notably in the areas of fair gaming, responsible operator conduct and player protection.

For further information, please contact:
UK and Europe
Stuart Hehir at Chameleon PR
+44 (0) 20 7680 5500
stuart@chameleonpr.com