Poker fans in Eastern Europe can look forward to a new online venue,
Perpetuum Poker launching in September following a deal between the
Allgames operator group and Swedish software and games provider B2B
Poker.
Eastern Europe is becoming an increasingly attractive market for gambling
groups, and Allgames has been building experience and business in
the region since its formation in 1997 and commencement of gaming
operations two years later. That success is evidenced by a customer
base that is 60 percent comprised of Russian and former Soviet bloc
players. A spokesman said that Moscow is particular is a profitable
operational region due to high incomes, a cultural propensity to gamble,
and significant internet penetration.
Per Hildebrand, chief executive of B2B’s parent company 24hPoker,
said: “We believe there is a great potential for poker
in Russia and other parts of Eastern Europe. Russians have a tradition
of playing games of skill like chess and are keen on gambling so poker
is definitely going to be very popular. Internet penetration is increasing
rapidly and more TV-channels are broadcasting poker so the future
looks bright.”
He added: “The main problem in the Eastern European market
is the lack of widespread payment solutions, but we see progress also
in this area.”
In terms of the agreement Allgames will carry put all marketing tasks,
with particular emphasis on potential customers in or around Moscow.
“It will be up to Allgames to market the service. However,
we also have other partners exploring the Russian market like goplay.ru
and dreamlandpoker.ru and they are primarily focusing on Moscow,”
said Hildebrand.