Playtech has confirmed that it has signed up the UK gaming group, Betfair as a new licensee, adding the company to other big names in the business such as Betfred, Paddy Power and William Hill Online. Despite rumors that there was a possibility that Playtech will be providing its poker software to Betfair, as well as the announced bingo and casino products, yesterday Playtech confirmed that the deal did not include poker.

As a result of the announcement, trading was up by 10% for Playtech shares in London this week.

The news comes hot on the heels of Playtech’s announcement that it has made Chilipoker a direct licensee after years of the operation being at only sub licensee status. The reason for the move is the fact that Playtech is hoping to enter the French online gambling market, where Chilipoker already has a very strong presence.