Hard on the heels of renewed speculation that the Russian government may soon legalise online poker as a skill game (see previous reports) comes the news that 888Poker has formed a strategic partnership with the Russian Poker Tour (RPT).
The RPT hosts live poker tournaments in Eastern European cities in the absence of a welcoming environment in Russia itself, and has awarded over $30 million in prizes in its six-year life, along with usually very enjoyable entertainment adventures for participants.
The tournaments have a wide range of events and are popular with recreational players, who comprise around 80 percent of entrants.
888Poker has been increasingly active in sponsoring live tournament activity in Europe and the United States, and is involved in partnerships with Aspers London and the World Series of Poker.
The poker company boasts 10 million players worldwide and will continue to run online satellite qualifiers for the RPT in addition to its expanded sponsorship
First stop on this years’ Russian Poker Tour will be in Minsk between April 2 – 11.