BAD NEWS FOR POKER DEALERS

15 June 2007

Top aces to test no-dealer poker at top championship

Some shrewd marketing savvy lies behind an innovative element scheduled for introduction early next month during the World Series of Poker Main Event.

Pokertek, which has developed a new electronic dealerless poker table that uses computer screens for each player and speeds up play significantly, has teamed up with WSOP organisers to showcase the product in a Heads Up Challenge game featuring high profile players.

Antonio Esfandiari and Phil 'Unabomber' Laak will compete in a game of Texas Hold'em using the new table during the main event on the afternoon of July 5. Arrangements have also been made for the product to be showcased on the Gaming Life Expo running in conjunction with WSOP, giving visitors a chance to give the product a test drive, and the activity will be supported by a publicity campaign.

"People love to play heads-up poker," says PokerTek president James Crawford. "It's fast-paced, it's one-on-one and the competition is intense. Bringing the world's greatest card game into the amusement space is an exciting next step for our company."

PokerTek's plans include the installation of the electronic tables in bars and restaurants, and the company is negotiating a co-branding deal with the World Series of Poker. The director of the tournament, Jeffrey Pollack says that such a move would be a good strategic fit and comments: "The success of any sports property is directly related to its ability to introduce the brand to new audiences."

Online Casino News courtesy of InfoPowa