Jadestone expanding in Italy with Gioco Digitale

STOCKHOLM, Sweden -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- Jadestone Networks, the Nordic based owner and operator of the Arena multiplayer gaming network, announced today that, after the agreement with bwin, they will add the player liquidity and local expertise of Gioco Digitale to its Italian network shortly.

Jadestone was the first iGaming software provider to successfully launch skill games for cash in Italy in January 2009. That offering was delivered for the large international iGaming operator bwin. Since then bwin has gone on to acquire the local operator Gioco Digitale, an extremely successful provider of various poker, betting and gaming products.

Jadestone will now create a skill game network in Italy for the combined Gioco Digitale and bwin audience. The network will be integrated to Italian authorities via the new Gioco Digitale platform and thereby also be open for other partners to join.

"We are proud that customers appreciate our games in the Italian market and that we continue to grow our presence there," said Tobias Nissen, General Manager of Jadestone Networks. "Our partnership with bwin and Gioco Digitale forms the bedrock of a high quality and high liquidity network for all Italian players to enjoy. The re-launched proposition takes advantage of the new platform developed by Gioco Digitale and bwin and will benefit all other partners that choose to work with us in Italy."

"Skill games are a key product in our vision of gaming as a part of the entertainment industry, that already see a strong effort in direction such as the producing and/or the distribution of poker and sport video; we believe in Italy there is space for the growth of a network that share this vision, and we found in Jadestone not only a recognized international leader, but also a partner that is willing to commit in creating games that are in line with Italian taste and trends." Said Paolo Di Feo, General Director of Bwin and Gioco Digitale in Italy.

To further strengthen the local presence in Italy Jadestone has appointed Marcus Dahlgren as the new Jadestone country manager in Italy. Marcus, who will be on the ground in Italy from April 2010, will be responsible for building up the local business together with existing and new partners.