The race is on to capture new markets and revenue in the global gaming scene and poker is the main tactical weapon.

Europe is a mature market, and while uncertainty and stalemate grips the US, China is the potential cash cow for many operators.

With that as the backdrop, Playtech, the listed international designer, developer and licenser of software for the online and land-based gaming industry, has penned a landmark five year software deal with China's leading gaming group: Sino Strategic International.

SSI is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and is a diversified investment holding company. Its primary operations are in the large and fast growing Chinese gaming, internet and mobile media markets.

Playtech and SSI will be the first major distributor and promoter of Texas Hold'em Poker in the Chinese market. Following the launch of the poker product in the coming months, SSI expects to launch a selection of Playtech powered P2P Chinese tournament games through selected SSI outlets in China in the first half of 2007 after a testing, approval and implementation period.

Initially, a selection of P2P poker games will be offered, followed by games played more commonly in China such as mahjong, Do Di Zhu, Cho Da Di and To La Ji.

Avigur Zmora, Chief Executive Officer of Playtech, comments: "This is a major development for both Playtech and SSI bringing the Play for Real P2P tournament gaming experience to China at appropriately licensed gaming outlets for the first time. The Chinese market is a vast and incredibly exciting marketplace and Playtech is extremely well positioned to assist operators such as SSI in rolling out new gaming products in a phased manner in accordance with Chinese regulations."

"This license agreement will further establish Playtech's presence in Asia and is in line with the Company's ongoing strategy. Playtech is increasingly Asian-facing and this transaction is another milestone in further diversifying the geographical reach of the business and its customer base."

Richard Li, Chief Operating Officer, Australia, of Sino Strategic International states: "In Playtech, we have found a software provider that has a clear understanding of the Asian gaming marketplace and who understands the intricacies of gaming in China. The private gaming network, consisting of up to 5,000 terminals to be implemented by Playtech, will upon completion, expand the SSI gaming terminal network significantly. SSI also intends to further expand this network via franchising to other parts of China over the next five years."