Playtech has launched its iPoker network in North America for the first time through a new partnership with FanDuel, expanding the company’s poker footprint into regulated markets in the United States and Canada.

The company’s iPoker platform now powers poker games offered through the PokerStars-branded product available exclusively on FanDuel. The service is live in Michigan, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, as well as Ontario, Canada.

With the launch, FanDuel becomes the first operator in North America to use Playtech’s poker technology. Playtech said the agreement forms part of its plans to grow its presence in regulated gaming markets across the region.

Playtech and FanDuel join forces for iPoker North America launch

The rollout follows the launch earlier this year of PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel. The product combines FanDuel’s customer base with the PokerStars brand and allows players in participating jurisdictions to join the same network for tournaments and cash games.

The launch also comes after FanDuel received approval to participate in a multi-state poker network in Michigan, a development that expanded opportunities for shared player liquidity across regulated markets.

Playtech said bringing iPoker to North America is an important step for a product that has been operating in international markets for years. Through the FanDuel partnership, the network is now available to players across several regulated jurisdictions in the U.S. and Canada.

Marat Koss, Chief Interactive Gaming Officer at Playtech, said: “Debuting our industry-leading iPoker platform in North America with a valued partner like FanDuel is a defining moment for Playtech’s North American expansion. We’re immensely proud to bring our poker platform to three major regulated markets and support FanDuel in their mission to deliver a top-tier poker experience to players.”

According to Playtech, FanDuel’s position in the North American online gaming market made it a suitable partner for the expansion. The company said the launch supports its broader efforts to increase its presence in regulated jurisdictions.

The agreement adds poker to FanDuel’s existing online gaming portfolio and extends the relationship between the two companies. FanDuel customers can access Playtech’s poker infrastructure through a network designed to support larger player pools and tournament offerings.

For Playtech, the deal marks the first deployment of its iPoker technology in North America and establishes the network’s presence in four regulated markets across the region.

Featured image: FanDuel / Playtech

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