Playtech has confirmed plans to open its first live casino studio in the US after securing a multi-year lease at a site in the city of Southfield, Michigan.
The studio – which will be linked to Playtech’s flagship studio in Riga, Latvia, via video technology – will support Playtech’s growth strategy in the US.
The supplier is expecting to move into the new premises in the coming months following fit-out work, although a precise date has not been disclosed due to uncertainties caused by Covid-19.
The site will feature bespoke areas dedicated to specific operator clients, as well as networked tables. A Playtech spokesperson told iGamingBusiness North America that Playtech would be able to scale up its facilities at the studio as the company expands its live entertainment and game show content offering for the iGaming market in Michigan and other regulated states across the US.
“The new studio in Michigan is the first step in our US live expansion as we look to deliver live studios in all regulated states,” Playtech chief operating officer Shimon Akad said.
“Our Michigan studio is being designed to be one of the more sophisticated studios tailored to the US market featuring innovation and entertainment at its best. The scale of our technology and breadth of our product will allow Playtech to take the live iGaming experience in the US to the next level.”
The latest development follows the announcement in February of a deal to supply Parx Casino with multiple products across Playtech’s IMS Platform, beginning with the launch of online casino in Michigan.
Playtech had previously entered the US market through deals with Bet365 and MGM and Entain joint venture BetMGM in New Jersey.
The new studio will offer local employment opportunities and Southfield, which is fast becoming Michigan’s leading technology and innovation hub.
“At Playtech, we pride ourselves in being a key member of all our communities and we are thrilled to be bringing employment opportunities to local communities as part of our expansion in the US,” Akad added.
“With the effects of the global pandemic still felt in markets across the globe it is more important than ever we support our local industries and communities.”