UPDATE 2-Playtech revenue soars, diversity to boost 2009

* 9-month total revenue up 78 pct * Oct trading very strong, Nov starts stronger still * Says well positioned for growth into 2009

(Adds CEO quote, share detail)

LONDON, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Online poker and casino software specialist Playtech Ltd (PTEC.L) posted a 78 percent rise in nine-month total revenue on Tuesday, boosted by the acquisition of new licences and growth across all its business divisions.

"We are monitoring economic conditions closely, but given the diversity of licensees and products, I think we are well positioned going forward," Mor Weizer, Playtech chief executive officer told Reuters in a telephone interview.

The company, which provides gambling Web sites with games ranging from poker and blackjack to roulette and mahjong, is increasing its forays into the Asian online market, launching Asian P2P (peer-to-peer) computer networks for the region.

"Although most of our revenue is generated in Europe, 20 percent of our revenue is generated in Asia and from other parts of the world," said Weizer.

Playtech's nine month to September revenue totalled 80.1 million euros ($103.3 million) up from 45 million euros in the same period last year.

At 1100 GMT, Playtech's shares were down 5 percent at 361 pence, valuing the company at around $807 million.

J.P. Morgan said in a note to investors Playtech's third quarter revenue of $42.4 million were slightly below analyst expectations of $43.5 million. It said that is the first time Playtech has missed estimates for six to seven quarters and could be evidence of an impact from the consumer downturn.

"While the gaming sector has traditionally been more defensive to traditional software in a downturn, we believe that pressure on consumer spending will have some negative impact on the sector," the note said.

Playtech, which was established in 1999 and says it operates the world's largest poker network, has a 29 percent stake in William Hill's WHM.L online betting operations, following a deal with the UK bookmaker in October.

Playtech's shares have lost around 3 percent of their value this year, outperforming the FTSE All-Share index .FTAS by 44 percent. (Reporting by Farah Master)