Game Play Network, Inc., (GPN) and WPT Enterprises, Inc., (WPT) on Wednesday unveiled plans for a partnership that adds real money video poker, casino games and poker tournaments to WPT's existing suite of online poker and social gaming products.
GPN is a licensed gaming company that says its patented platform enables its B2B partners to offer their players the ability to play casino-style games for real money in the majority of the US. The company says it reaches 40% more of the US population than other online gaming companies today.
Over the last 19 years, WPT has emerged as one of the most well-known gaming brands in the world, having staged some of the biggest televised and live poker tournaments in five continents, awarded more than $1.3bn in prize monies to players, and garnered an annual audience of over 300m viewers for its television programming worldwide.
According to Adam Pliska, WPT’s CEO, millions of players have experienced at least one of WPT’s touch points, including its free-to-play and subscription-based poker gaming offerings, providing it with one of the largest databases of enthusiastic gaming players in the world.
“In addition to our extensive live tournament and distribution network global footprint, our online platforms and products make up an ever-growing portion of our company’s portfolio,” Pliska said in a statement. “Considering our loyal fan base and strong demand for more online offerings, it was essential for us to align ourselves with online products our customers would readily embrace, while enhancing the WPT brand. After extensive legal and business diligence, GPN clearly stood out in terms of its exceptionally talented team, strong product and unrivaled market access. We are very enthusiastic about finalizing this partnership and its potential for industry changing impact.”
Sam Kiki, Game Play Network’s chief commercial officer, added: “Within the poker industry, there are few companies with the credibility, prestige and following of the World Poker Tour. We are thrilled about the opportunity to partner with such an innovative company to bring a well-rounded and exciting portfolio of games and tournaments to their dedicated customer base. Combining WPT’s events, personalities and talent with GPN’s platform will unleash a whole new level of bespoke online gaming content.”
The World Poker Tour was founded in 2002 with a television show based on a series of high-stakes poker tournaments. WPT has broadcast globally in more than 150 countries and territories, and currently is producing its 19th season, which airs on Bally Sports in the United States.
Season XIX of WPT is sponsored by ClubWPT.com, an online membership site that offers a sweepstakes-based poker club available in 43 states and territories across the United States, Australia, Canada, France and the United Kingdom.
Game Play Network is a Los Angeles-based online gaming company founded in 2012. It currently operates in 22 states with the ability to launch in up to 40 states.
