Recent surveys suggest that up to fifteen percent and growing numbers
of poker players are members of the fairer sex, and Casino On Net
/ 888.com has clearly seen this as an opportunity.
The largest casino group on the Internet launched a women-targeted
poker marketing initiative this week. Using its popular 888.com site,
the company is to provide "women only" poker tables later
this year.
The move comes on the heels of recent research by 888.com, which has
shown that there are an ever-increasing number of women who gamble
online. Although Poker was once seen as a male dominated game, online
poker has provided women with a secure and non-intimidating environment
in which to learn and play.
The trend has been accelerated by media coverage and celebrity interest
in the game - Sarah Jessica Parker, Shannon Elizabeth and Mena Suvari
are examples of the growing celebrity set who play both online and
offline.
The new women's only tables will be tailored to the needs of female
players with larger 'chat' boxes, giving the facility for players
to swap the latest gossip as they play.
The look of the table can also be changed by the female players, with
the choice of hot pink baize and disco balls. 888.com claims that
it is perfect for the growing number of professional female players
as well as complete beginners, with online poker tutorials and a unique
hand history feature that allows players to record visual footage
of previous hands.
UK marketing manager Matt Robinson says, "From a study
of our 10 million members, one statistic that stands out head and
shoulders over any other, is that women playing poker online is at
an all time high and is set to further increase. Men don't really
care what the site looks like as long as it is realistic, fun and
entertaining. However women notice their surroundings a lot more and
as with fashion, demand the very latest colors and styles, as well
as the desire to chat while playing!"