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.