Netplay TV agrees new STV deal

Gambling firm NetPlay TV has agreed a new two-year deal with STV for carriage of its interactive casino service in Scotland.

Starting tonight, STV will broadcast NetPlay's ChallengeJackpot programme live from Monday to Saturday in its late night schedule. Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.

The carriage agreement comes after the two firms joined forces last year to trial the first ever live interactive casino channel on digital terrestrial television in Scotland.

The move was made possible by updated regulation issued by Ofcom allowing public service broadcasters to host live betting on casino games.

ChallengeJackpot, which enables viewers to place bets on roulette games, will now become a permanent fixture on STV's late night schedule.

NetPlay TV group chief executive Martin Higginson said that he is "extremely pleased" to have agreed a two-year deal with STV.

"As a result we will be able to offer a much improved service offering a wider range of games and jackpots," said Higgingson.

"By adding more broadcast channels to this service we are able to improve the quality of the TV show, further differentiating ourselves as the leading interactive TV gaming company."

ChallengeJackpot is also available on Virgin Media and Sky, while NetPlay TV recently agreed a five-year deal with Five for the SuperCasino programme.

Higginson said that an increase in top line bets, deposits and sign ups on its gambling platforms "proves our belief in TV as a new and exciting distribution channel for gaming services".

Also welcoming the deal, STV Ventures managing director David Archer said that Ofcom's ruling last year enabled the broadcaster to "explore new revenue generating options".

Archer said that following the successful trial with NetPlay TV last year, he is delighted to agree a longer-term deal with the interactive gambling firm.

"NetPlayTV is recognised as the largest interactive TV gaming company in the world now regularly paying out over £1.5m in winnings each day," he said.

"The service is fully regulated by the Alderney Gambling Commissions allowing users to interact with the service with peace of mind."