It is known to all that PokerStars is no more a poker brand. The Amaya Inc. company has huge ambitions to acquire the gambling market be it casino games or online betting. In its new endeavours to go big in sports betting, the company launched BetStars, an online sports betting platform. In another step to promote casino games, PokerStars has announced to host $100,000 Blackjack Tournament at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure on 8th January 2016.
The blackjack tournament will be conducted in a shootout format, with six players assigned to each blackjack table with 15 blackjack hands played. The winner of each first-round table will progress to the second round and win a minimum of $1,000.
“We are very excited to host our first ever live blackjack tournament,” said Edgar Stuchly, PokerStars’ director of live events. “Blackjack players are used to pitting themselves against the house, but they will now be able to pit themselves against other players in a $100,000 guaranteed blackjack tournament.”
The sports betting site, BetStars will initially be available in select jurisdictions on the domains Betstars.com, Betstars.eu, and Betstars.uk, and on dedicated iOS and Android applications. This is the next stage of development of PokerStars’ new sportsbook offering, which will continue to be rolled out during 2016.
BetStars will be supported by the launch of an external customer acquisition campaign in the first half of 2016. As part of this marketing campaign, BetStars intends to introduce an innovative new betting product on the platform which will distinguish the brand from competitors.
Rafi Ashkenazi, CEO of Rational Group, said, “We’re very excited about the launch of the BetStars brand, and expect it to be one of the most talked about sports betting sites in 2016 as it continues to evolve with new products and features that we believe will set us apart as a betting brand for the true sports fan. We’re applying the same dedication and passion we have for poker to sports betting, and intend to create an authentic, world-class offering. The BetStars brand will build on this passion and provide a safe, trustworthy and, most importantly, exciting environment for sports fans.”
BetStars will initially offer a range of betting options across more than 25 sports, including football, tennis and basketball, as well as specialty offerings such as eSports and poker. More sports, including horseracing, are intended to be added throughout 2016. The brand will also feature a range of in-play betting options and exclusive offers and promotions that sports bettors expect from a world-class online sportsbook. PokerStars anticipates the brand will expand into additional key jurisdictions throughout 2016, extending its reach to approximately half of PokerStars’ unique active poker customers.
BetStars will also offer its customers a seamless experience between sports betting, casino and poker, with a single wallet for all three services.