WPT Goes Online
Published: Saturday, July 02, 2005 Online-Casinos.com
WPT GOES ONLINE
New Wager Works powered poker site - but not for U.S. players
They've been talking about it for months, but this week World Poker Tour Enterprises
finally launched their branded, real money poker website.
WPTonline.com features a live multiplayer poker room with head-to-head and tournament
play. The site prohibits bets from players in the U.S. and other jurisdictions
where online gaming is prohibited, and is regulated by the Alderney Gambling Control
Commission.
WagerWorks developed the software being used by WPTonline.com under a licensing
agreement with WPTE.
In addition to having a variety of multiplayer poker games, ring table games,
Sit & Go and Multi-table Series tournaments, WPTonline.com features a customized
version of the WagerWorks Poker Software. Designed with WPT's guidance, the software
showcases a completely new graphic package to match the WPT television experience
as well as advanced game features catering to the avid poker player.
The WPTonline.com website is a fully integrated poker room and casino site, featuring
a comprehensive suite of gaming products -- including such popular games as Monopoly,
Blackjack, Roulette, Baywatch, Bingo, Wheel of Fortune and The Price Is Right.
Players will be offered unique promotions based on the WPT franchise, creating
a seamless community between the Internet and television.
Steve Lipscomb, President and CEO of WPT Enterprises, Inc., vows, "WPT aims
to be the 'People's Choice' for poker. We want to give our WPTonline.com players
every opportunity to participate in the entire WPT experience, which is why our
online players will be afforded premier opportunities to enter WPT land-based
tournaments as well as WPT Invitational events."
Players will also be eligible for innovative player incentives and premium online
events, together with exclusive membership in the WPT Elite Members Club where
players will earn rewards and other privileges.
Given the prominence of the WPT brand and its massive TV exposure, marketing
is likely to be extensive through syndicated TV with licensing rights in over
100 countries and territories.
According to market research firm Christiansen Capital Advisors, L.L.C. (CCA),
the global online gaming industry will reach the $10 billion mark in 2005, more
than double total revenues in 2002.
CCA says the European market alone will experience triple-digit growth in online
poker over the next two years.
