Entain partners Playtech and ITV for new live gameshow The Chase
Hosted from Playtech’s live studio in Riga, Latvia, the game is available to players 24/7, exclusively through Entain brands.
The new game features a plinko board and two bonus features. This means that unlike the television show, players do not need to answer general knowledge questions to win prizes.
First broadcast in 2009, The Chase regularly attracts millions of daily UK viewers during its daytime slot on ITV. The show is also broadcast in Australia and New Zealand.
Currently, the game is available to Entain customers in the UK, Belgium, Brazil and Ontario in Canada. The Chase will also soon be expanded to players in South Africa and Italy.
During its first month, The Chase generated three times the revenue of previous top-tier launches for similar plinko games.
“We are always striving to create innovative content that stands out in the growing live gameshow genre,” Entain global head of live and table games Graciella Anthony said. “As the data shows, it has already been a hit with our customers around the world. We expect the game to continue its impressive growth trajectory.”
Joint effort to launch The Chase with Entain
Playtech and Entain developed the game in partnership with ITV Studios. Steve Watling, senior vice-president at ITV Studios Global Partnerships, said it is the most anticipated game release this year.
“We have been working with the teams at Entain and Playtech for many months on bringing one of the UK’s most successful and popular gameshow brands to the live casino space,” Watling said.
“The atmosphere and game elements of The Chase have been turned into an engaging and unique live game with the main plinko game, Head to Head and Final Chase bonus games. We are excited to see the game’s success exclusively across Entain’s portfolio.”
Kevin Kilminster, chief product innovation officer at Playtech, added: “This new gameshow is the first plinko live game developed by Playtech featuring two unique bonus rounds, emulating the experience of the original popular game show.
“This joint project is a testament to our strong partnership with Entain. We remain committed to supporting them and creating new and unique content for their players.”
Global demand for live gaming
The launch is the latest within the live gaming arena. Last month, MGM Resorts also linked up with Playtech for a live casino offering. This is streaming directly from the MGM Grand and Bellagio properties in Las Vegas.
MGM Live games include single and double-zero roulette and baccarat. These are initially being made available to operators in regulated markets outside of the US.
Speaking last month, Playtech COO Shimon Akad told iGB that Mexico and the UK will be the initial target markets for MGM Live. Rollouts in additional regulated markets will follow.
Akad also said there are plans to broaden the portfolio further. This will provide exclusive access to various Playtech games, branded TV gameshows, celebrity-hosted trivia shows and other experiences in Las Vegas.