Events International and Betex sign online gaming deal
MONTREAL, Sept. 20 /CNW Telbec/ - Events International Holding Corporation (TSXV: "EIH") announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Mahjong Systems Limited, a gaming software developer, has signed a software agreement with U.K.-based online sports book operator, Betex (Group) plc. Under the combined licensing and profit sharing deal, Betex will use MSL's Mahjong Mania's industry-leading Mahjong software in its suite of online games.
Mahjong Mania offers the only aggregate, play-for-money Mahjong game available for Internet use and the Betex transaction is now the fourth licensing agreement signed with online casino and sports book operators. Owing primarily to its origins, Mahjong is particularly strong in Asia but worldwide it is played by hundreds of millions of people, a number substantially greater than those playing poker. The four-player game is similar to Rummy and involves the use of 144 tiles.
EIH Chief Executive Albert Barbusci said, "We are very pleased to integrate our Mahjong software into the Betex network which incorporates a significant player base around the world. This agreement also represents an important step in our strategy to capitalize on the potentially enormous China market because Betex is the only non-Chinese company to have an operable involvement in gaming in China where Mahjong is widely played for free and with cash wagers.
Betex Chairman, Johnny Hon commented, "The agreement with Mahjong Mania, which will provide our clients with access to a popular, challenging and engrossing game, is a very proud moment for our company and for me in particular. One of my direct ancestors, General HAN XIN, has been credited with devising a game around 204 B.C. as a way of entertaining his troops during a winter encampment. That game has been described as one of the roots from which Mahjong was derived. We believe Mahjong will be one of the most significant new games in the gaming industry."
Mahjong Mania President Adriaan Brink added "by pooling players from all of our online partners and allowing them to play against one another through our aggregating facility, we will be able to ensure optimal liquidity and player numbers".
