SkillJam contracted to supply Virgin with games

The recent agreement between Virgin Games and FUN Technology's subsidiary SkillJam had industry observers speculating that Virgin was about to access the major U.S. market, taking advantage of the legal status of games of skill in that country.

That speculation was vindicated this week when Virgin director of marketing Russ Sleight was quoted in the media as saying Virgin Games plans to welcome the US playing community for the first time, using a skill gaming site.

In deference to UK sensitivities Virgin has previously barred US players from its casino and poker websites, and this policy is to remain in force when the skill games site starts operations.

"We will not be cross-selling our gambling products to our US players," Sleight confirmed, although he made the point that Virgin's US position was the subject of regular reviews.

Such reviews could be influenced by developments flowing from the reformed UK Gambling Act, which when promulgated around 2006 / 2007 is widely expected to permit UK licensed operators to accept US casino and poker business.

Sleight revealed that his company would invest marketing budget on skill games commensurate with that committed to bingo and online casino advertising.

"Skill gaming is a very Virgin proposition and we are going to enter the market running," he said.

"This is a mass-market product and it is ready to be taken forward by a major land-based brand."