Playtech Backs Online Mahjong For Growth

Online gambling software maker Playtech has said it is set to offer its Asian users mahjong-style games after arranging a licensing pact with Korea-based specialist developer Tanksoft.

The company, which makes casino software for Online Casino, Online Poker and Online Bingo and counts Empire Online and Bet365 among its clients, said the deal means it can offer a full range of mahjong games, including country-specific versions.

Mahjong, the ancient Chinese game, was traditionally played by several players on a board and involves selecting or discarding units - tiles in one case, cards in the other - to score points by forming groups or runs of similar units.

"We have 11 sites that cater specifically for the Asian market that have been requesting mahjong games from us," Playtech Chief Executive Avigur Zmora said in a statement.

Zmora said he expects to be able to offer its licensees the mahjong games by the end of this year.