Social gaming platform developer and operator World Poker Fund Holdings (WPFH) says it expects to generate $143 million in revenues from the first ever in-flight online casino assets and contracts stemming from its 49 percent acquisition of Universal Entertainment Group (UEG).
According to a press statement, the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma PokerTribe.com/.gov gaming portal is scheduled for launch in the next 90 days initially offering live online cash-casino, cash-bingo and cash-poker games to international (non-U.S.) players.
In-flight cash gaming is anticipated to launch during the first quarter of 2017 on selected international airline flights, cruises and other forms of transportation.
The in-flight international gaming offerings will be offered through InSkyCasino.com to eligible passengers aged 21 and over once an international flight in excess of two hours reaches cruising altitude.
Passengers will receive complimentary Wi-Fi access for the duration of the flight for a minimum deposit of $25 into their online, real-money play, casino account offered by InSkyCasino.com, operated by PokerTribe.com/.gov and software/support provided by UEG, through its contractual arrangement with the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma.
“We are proud to be working with World Poker Fund and The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma on this project,” said Universal Entertainment Group spokesperson Christina Fallin. “It is an extraordinary time for the State of Oklahoma. The recent federal court ruling granting the Iowa Tribe the unique gaming licenses will generate significant revenue potential that will directly benefit the people of Oklahoma through tax revenues and The Iowa Tribe and its partners. It’s a win-win all around.”
WPFH said 3.5 billion passengers are expected to fly in 2016 and more than 3 billion of those are projected to be non-U.S. passengers. WPFH and its market partners through PokerTribe.com/.gov, initially will have access to 180 million of those international passengers through a single in-flight Wi-Fi provider, which controls the entertainment content on its partner airlines.