COPA launches Playtech/SciPlay-powered free poker site
Launch comes four months after parties reached intrastate software agreement.
The California Online Poker Association (COPA) has today gone live with its beta free-play dot.com poker site, after selecting Playtech and SciPlay as its intrastate poker partners in June.
CalShark.com features ring games, tournaments and sit ‘n’ gos, which can be played through a downloadable client or through a non-download flash platform.
There is a strong aspect of social media integration, with players able to sign into the flash client using their Facebook login, while they can also invite friends to join them at the tables through social media.
While real-money play is not available in the Texas Hold ‘Em and Omaha games offered on Calshark.com, chips can be exchanged for virtual goods.
A spokesperson for COPA suggested these features would set up the partnership for the launch of a Facebook app “in the near future”.
The website, powered by Playtech and “supported by” SciPlay “ the joint venture between Playtech and Scientific Games “ is so far available in English and Spanish.
Calshark.com’s beta release comes just three days after eGaming Review broke the news that the Foxwoods Resort and Casino is close to sealing a deal with Sportingbet with the intention of launching a free-play poker site.