Ourgame International Holdings Ltd., the Asia-based group which acquired the World Poker Tour for $35 million around the middle of last year (see previous report) has announced that the WPT brand will be made available to Indian online poker operator Adda52.com.
The agreement covers exclusive product licensing and services, and will enable Adda52 to qualify Indian poker fans for WPT events, along with rights to distribute select seasons of the WPT, create WPT merchandise, and leverage the WPT brand to secure local sponsorship partners.
Adda52 boasts that it is the biggest online poker provider in India with around 800,000 registered users and the potential for more in a nation of over 1.25 billion souls.
Anuj Gupta, founder and CEO of Adda52.com said in a press statement this week that India was experiencing a boom in poker, with the fans seeking better tournament experiences.
“With this tie-up, we want the poker community to be exposed to international standards of poker with better structures, well-defined tournaments, and the knowledge the WPT brings to the table,” he said.
The link with WPT and its parent group Ourgame could have substantial cross-marketing possibilities, given Ourgame’s reported 500 million-strong user base located across Asia.
Adam Pliska, president and CEO of the WPT said that the deal enables the WPT to expand its global footprint into the fast-growing Asian market.
“Alongside Adda52.com, the World Poker Tour is uniquely positioned to bring the WPT experience to millions of fans and players in India and help grow the mind sport of poker throughout the country,” he said in the joint press statement.
Adda52.com is owned by Gaussian Networks Pvt Ltd.