Gamesys debuts Virgin Poker on Facebook
Newly developed poker product gets first outing on social network " real-money version set for New Jersey in H1
Gamesys has launched a freemium version of its newly-developed Virgin Poker product on Facebook as it prepares for a real-money launch in New Jersey in the first half of 2014.
The app, which has more than 8,000 players on the social network, is currently in beta phase and represents Gamesys’ first venture into the poker space. It is initially being tested in selected markets including Canada.
A cash poker product using the same platform is expected to launch in New Jersey during the first half of this year as part of Gamesys’ partnership with the Tropicana Casino. Virgin Casino and Tropicana Casino sites are already live in the state.
The Facebook game offers a range of tournaments and ring games, with a fast-fold poker version coming soon. It also features The Academy, allowing players to take part in a “poker masterclass” in which they get tips and lessons on how to improve their game.
eGaming Review understands the US will be the primary focus for the real-money Virgin Poker brand.
Gamesys’ newly appointed global director of brands Paul Troy told eGR this week that the globally renowned Virgin brand should allow it to penetrate the US gambling market without compromising its “entertainment company” ethos.
“Expanding the Virgin brand is an exciting opportunity and gives us real leverage on a global level, including the US market,” Troy added. “Gamesys sees itself as an entertainment business and Virgin can also help achieve that.”
eGR revealed the operator’s plans to launch a poker brand in May last year when we reported it had opened a Canada-based subsidiary to aid with the development of the platform.
A launch under the Virgin Gaming brand it acquired in January 2013 for £9m was widely expected, however to date only casino content has been offered.
Gamesys immediately removed all content from the likes of Microgaming, Net Entertainment, Cryptologic and Playtech from Virgin Gaming sites, leaving 24 games provided by IGT as well as 24 of Gamesys’ proprietary titles.