Paddy Power Enters Canadian Market Through Partnership With British Columbia Lottery Corporation

LONDON, December 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Paddy Power plc ("Paddy Power") has today signed a three year agreement with British Columbia Lottery Corporation ("BCLC"), the provincial lottery operator in British Columbia, Canada, to supply product, pricing and risk management services to its online sports betting business from the summer of 2012.

BCLC is the only operator permitted under Canadian law to offer sports betting in British Columbia and, in order to obtain the contract, Paddy Power successfully gained approval from the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch of British Columbia to provide a variety of gaming services. 

Commenting on the news, Paddy Power Chief Executive, Patrick Kennedy, said, "We are delighted to be partnering with BCLC. They are our first lottery partner, and this is our first transaction in North America, a geography which will be of increasing strategic importance to us in the future. Today's announcement is a further endorsement of our product and partnership capabilities. As the global online market continues to regulate, these qualities continue to position us strongly for future international expansion."

Rhonda Garvey, Vice-President eGaming, BCLC, said, "We are very excited about our partnership with Paddy Power and the opportunities it will bring to PlayNow.com. Paddy Power's proven expertise and product integration with the PlayNow.com/OpenBet system is essential to providing our players with an unparalleled online sports betting experience."

About Paddy Power:

Paddy Power is an international betting and gaming group, headquartered in Ireland. Approximately three quarters of Paddy Power's profits are generated from online and from outside Ireland. The Group operates in regulated jurisdictions.

Since its foundation in 1988 Paddy Power has sought to be different from the pack by taking an unconventional approach to betting and gaming. The vision is simple, make betting with Paddy Power an entertaining, fun and fair experience that means more than simply winning or losing money.  Paddy Power is also committed to providing customers with the best product range and highest quality customer service.  

Paddy Power is a publicly quoted company, listed on both the Irish and London Stock Exchanges.

SOURCE Paddy Power plc